Definition: And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 29:19. It’s a really powerful and complex passage about judgment and consequences. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a person who is deliberately trying to cause harm and suffering to others – essentially, they are seeking pleasure through wrongdoing. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And it come to pass…” : This sets up a situation where something will happen . It’s like an announcement of what’s going to occur. “…when he heareth the words of this curse…” : This is the crucial part. “Heareth” means to listen or obey. “The words of this curse” refers to the specific words being spoken – a judgment that's coming. “…that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:” This is where it gets really intense. Let’s break down each part: “He shall bless himself in his heart…” : This means he's deliberately choosing to enjoy or pleasure from their actions, even though they are causing harm. It implies a selfish and indulgent attitude. “…saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart…” : This is the core of the problem. “Imagination of my heart” means he's letting his thoughts and desires dominate him, leading him to act without considering the consequences or rightness of what he’s doing. He's choosing a path of pleasure over responsibility and morality. He's saying, "I will be happy even though I do bad things." “…to add drunkenness to thirst:” : This is the kicker – it describes a dangerous pattern. “Thirst” represents a deep need for something – often spiritual or emotional – but this person is using their actions to add that need to an already painful and desperate state. It’s like drinking when you're already feeling weak and unwell, making the situation even worse. Overall Meaning: The verse warns against someone who deliberately chooses to cause harm and pleasure through negative actions. It’s a judgment on someone who is prioritizing their own desires over morality, righteousness, and responsibility. It suggests a pattern of seeking selfish satisfaction at the expense of others and potentially their own downfall. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and self-indulgence. It’s about resisting temptation and choosing to live a life that honors God and reflects His character. It emphasizes the importance of humility, obedience, and righteous living. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure? Explore what the verse might mean for us today?