Definition: And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ecclesiastes 7:26. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about temptation and the consequences of our choices. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse warns against being drawn into harmful or destructive behavior – specifically, it describes someone who is deeply ensnared by their own desires and actions. It suggests that these people are incredibly dangerous to themselves and others. Let's unpack the parts: “And I find more bitter than death…” - This isn’t just about physical pain; it speaks to a deeper, more profound suffering caused by our choices. It’s likened to something that is intensely unpleasant and damaging. “…the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets…” – This is the key image. The "woman" represents someone who is constantly trying to catch or hold onto things – whether it's material possessions, fleeting pleasures, or even people. Her "heart" is described as “snares and nets.” This means she’s actively pursuing something that will ultimately trap her. It's a metaphorical representation of being drawn into unhealthy patterns of thought and behavior. “and her hands [as] bands…” – This emphasizes the method of this entrapment. Her "hands" are described as “bands,” which suggests she’s tightly bound, controlled, and unable to break free. She's not just passively caught; she’s actively controlling herself. “Whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her…” – This is the hopeful part. It means that if you turn away from this harmful path and seek God's guidance, you can be freed from its influence. God offers a way out. “…but the sinner shall be taken by her.” - This is the consequence of turning to this destructive path. The “sinner” – the person trapped in these snares – is taken or consumed by them. This suggests that those who are consumed by their own desires will face a terrible fate, likely involving ruin and despair. Overall Meaning & Context: Ecclesiastes 7:26 is essentially a warning about the dangers of being consumed by our own passions and desires. It’s urging us to resist temptation and seek a life guided by God's wisdom and purpose. It emphasizes that true happiness and fulfillment come from living a righteous and purposeful life, not from chasing fleeting pleasures or attachments. In short: The verse warns against falling into destructive patterns of behavior, suggesting that seeking God’s guidance is the only way to escape these traps and find lasting peace and fulfillment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of what kind of "snares and nets" might represent? Connect this verse to a broader theme in Scripture (like the importance of seeking God)?