Definition: In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 22:12. It’s a really important warning about how we can misuse our wealth and trust. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Message: This verse is saying that people have taken gifts – things like money, property, or favors – and used them in a way that was harmful and disrespectful to God. They’ve become greedy and focused on their own gain at the expense of others. It's a strong condemnation of selfishness. Let’s break it down word by word: "Ezekiel 22:12" : This is the verse itself, coming from a specific book in the Bible – Ezekiel. “In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood” : This means people have taken things specifically as a reward or payment for something, and then used them in a way that caused harm or even death. It’s like taking a gift and using it to hurt someone. "Thou hast taken usury and increase” : “Usury” is essentially interest – lending money with a high rate of return. “Increase” refers to making more money, often through unfair or exploitative means. So, this means they were profiting from lending money badly, charging excessive rates, and growing their wealth without regard for fairness. "And hast forgotten me” : This is the crucial part – God is speaking directly to us. He’s reminding us that we must remember Him and His character. It's saying that while we can be successful and accumulate wealth, it shouldn't come at the expense of our relationship with God. What does this mean for us? This verse encourages us to: Be Honest and Fair: We should always treat others honestly and fairly in our dealings. Don’t Be Greedy: Greed is a big problem – it can lead to selfishness, dishonesty, and harming others. Remember God's Character: God values goodness, kindness, and respect. We need to be mindful of this when we are pursuing wealth or power. Be Responsible with Our Resources: We should use our resources (money, property, etc.) in a way that benefits society and doesn’t cause harm. In short, the verse warns us against using our wealth and opportunities for selfish gain at the expense of others and God. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Give a real-world example of what this could look like? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?