Definition: He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse – Ecclesiastes 10:8 – piece by piece. It's a bit metaphorical, but the core message is about the consequences of our actions and how we should approach life. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “He who diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” Let's unpack each part: “He who diggeth a pit…” – This refers to someone who is obsessed with getting ahead, trying to achieve something through negative or harmful actions. It suggests a focus on things that hurt you or others. It’s about striving for something that ultimately leads to trouble and suffering. Think of someone constantly trying to be "better" than others by doing bad things. “…shall fall into it” – This is a warning. The act of digging a pit is inherently dangerous. It’s a trap, and you're going to get hurt. It symbolizes the negative consequences of your actions. “And whoso breaketh an hedge…” – "Hedge" here refers to a boundary or a protection. In this context, it means taking shortcuts or being dishonest, especially in relationships or business dealings. It suggests acting with deceit and covering up wrongdoing. “…a serpent shall bite him.” – This is the most striking part. A serpent is a dangerous creature, often associated with evil and temptation. It represents a consequence of your dishonesty – a painful and damaging outcome. The "biting" symbolizes harm, suffering, or disappointment. It suggests that your actions might lead to something unpleasant or destructive in the long run. Overall Meaning: The verse is essentially saying: Don't chase after things that will ultimately hurt you or others. Focus on building a good life based on honesty, integrity, and kindness. It’s urging us to avoid seeking shortcuts and deceptive practices because they inevitably lead to trouble. In short, it’s a warning against greed, dishonesty, and pursuing things that are ultimately harmful. Does this make sense? Would you like me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its application to a specific situation?