Definition: Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 11:2. It’s a pretty serious warning about what can happen when people become greedy and take things without responsibility. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people start taking everything – jewelry, coins, even valuables – from each other. It’s essentially encouraging rampant greed and theft. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Speak now in the ears of the people…” - This tells us this isn't just a single person making a decision; it's a widespread problem that needs to be addressed. “…and let every man borrow of his neighbour…” – This means everyone starts taking things from each other, like borrowing or lending. It’s a system where people are constantly taking what they need, without considering if they can repay. “…and every woman of her neighbour…” – This builds on the previous point, suggesting that women also start borrowing and taking from their neighbors. It highlights how greed spreads within families and communities. “Jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.” - This is the key part. These are incredibly valuable items - precious metals, gems, coins – things people would typically value highly. What’s the Warning? The verse warns about a dangerous consequence of this excessive taking: It’s leading to chaos and instability. The Bible describes it as "a great upheaval" (Exodus 11:2). It suggests that this practice will cause: Loss of Trust: People won't trust each other anymore because they're constantly taking from one another. Disruption of Society: The system becomes unsustainable and undermines the foundations of community and order. Potential for Violence/Conflict: Without a shared understanding of ownership, there’s a risk of disputes and potentially violence between people. In short, it's a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of responsible stewardship. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning against materialism and encourages a focus on relationships and trust rather than accumulating wealth. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context (e.g., why it’s important for understanding the story of Noah's Ark)? Compare this passage to other stories about greed or theft in the Bible?