Definition: By thy great wisdom [and] by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 28:5. It’s a really interesting and slightly complex passage about wealth and its impact on a person’s mindset. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that someone who has grown rich through their possessions (lots of money) is also becoming proud and focused on themselves, rather than thinking about God or doing good things. It's like a snowball rolling downhill – it gets bigger and faster as it goes! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “By thy great wisdom” : This refers to the person’s intelligence and understanding of the world. They likely have a lot of knowledge and insight. “And by thy traffick” : “Traffick” means trade, or commerce – basically, they're involved in business and dealing with money. “Hast thou increased thy riches” : They’ve accumulated wealth through their efforts and dealings. “And thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches” : This is the key part. Their heart (their thoughts, feelings) has changed. Instead of being focused on God or serving others, they're now consumed by their own possessions – feeling proud and self-centered. In short: The verse warns that wealth can be a dangerous thing if it becomes all-consuming and makes people lose sight of the bigger picture – God and helping others. It suggests that true happiness comes not just from material things, but from a relationship with God and serving others. Possible Context & Interpretation (This is where it gets deeper): Ezekiel 28:5 is often interpreted as a warning against greed and materialism. It’s suggesting that excessive focus on wealth can lead to a spiritual decline. It's a reminder that true fulfillment comes from a balance of material comfort and spiritual growth. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Give you some related Bible stories or examples?