Definition: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ephesians 4:14. It's a really important passage about how we should live our lives and treat each other. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse is saying that we need to stop being reactive and easily swayed by different opinions, beliefs, and arguments. It’s suggesting we need to be more steady and focused on truth. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "That we [henceforth] be no more..." – This means from now on , we need to change our behavior. It’s a call to action, urging us to stop being like children. "...children, tossed to and fro..." – Think of it like a toddler bouncing around wildly. We're not stable or consistent in our thinking. We're easily influenced by things that don't really hold up under scrutiny. "...and carried about with every wind of doctrine..." – “Doctrine” is just a fancy word for beliefs, principles, or arguments. "Wind" means unpredictable and constantly changing. So, this means we’re being swept along by different ideas, opinions, and ways of thinking without really considering them deeply. It's like being tossed around by a storm of conflicting viewpoints. "...by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" – This is where it gets a bit more complex. “Sleight” means trickery or deception. "Craftiness" means cleverness or skill. “They lie in wait to deceive” means these people are deliberately trying to mislead us with false arguments or ideas. They're acting subtly and strategically to cause confusion. In short, the verse is saying that we should resist being manipulated by confusing and deceptive ideas. It’s about maintaining a steady mind and resisting being swayed by things that aren’t solid truth. What does this mean for us? It means: Stay grounded: Don't let your beliefs change easily. Be thoughtful: Take the time to understand what others are saying before reacting. Seek Truth: Focus on genuine understanding and truth rather than just being influenced by opinions. In a nutshell, this verse is about cultivating a strong, resilient mind that can withstand the storms of differing viewpoints. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this principle applies to a specific situation (like political debates or religious disagreements)?