Definition: Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 15:9. It’s a really important message about treating others with kindness and fairness – especially when there’s a time of rest or release. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is telling us to be careful not to let our thoughts be filled with bitterness, anger, or malice towards someone who is struggling. It warns against thinking about how to harm or mistreat a brother during a time of rest or relief. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart…” – This is the most important part. “Wicked heart” means a heart filled with evil thoughts, hatred, and selfishness. It's about your intentions being corrupted. “…saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother…” – This describes a specific situation: the seventh year (a time of rest and allowing people to recover) is coming. It’s saying that you are thinking about hurting someone who is struggling during this time. “Eye be evil against thy poor brother” means you're considering mistreating or harming another person in a way that feels unfair or unkind. “…and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.” – This says if you do have these thoughts, it’s wrong – it’s a sin. The Lord (God) is watching over us, and this kind of thought causes trouble for you. It's like a disturbance to His peace and order. In short: This verse is telling us to be compassionate and forgiving, even when someone else is facing hardship. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and avoiding thoughts that would lead to harm or injustice. Why is this important? The Bible teaches that God loves all people equally. This verse reminds us that we should always strive to treat each other fairly and avoid causing them pain, even when things are difficult. It’s a call for humility and empathy. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give an example of how this principle applies in a real-life situation?