Definition: What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It's a really thought-provoking one, and it gets at some pretty serious questions about faith, wisdom, and what truly matters. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is asking: “If someone creates a statue or idol – anything made to look like a god – and believes in it wholeheartedly, why would they be comfortable with it? What's the point of creating something that’s designed to deceive?” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “What profiteth the graven image…” : This is a tricky phrase. It means "what good does this idol bring?" It’s not about the idol itself being good or helpful. It's about the belief in it. "...that the maker thereof hath graven it?" : This refers to someone who creates an idol – often a figure representing something powerful or even a god. “The molten image, and a teacher of lies…” : This is crucial. It means the idol isn’t just a pretty picture. It’s made of molten metal (figuratively speaking - it represents falsehood) and it's someone who deliberately spreads lies and deception. "...that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?" : This is the big question. The creator is believing in their idol so much that they’re willing to build something that’s based on falsehood and doesn't actually reflect truth. They are creating things that are pointless and don't have any real value or purpose. What’s the message? The verse warns us against: Blind Faith: It’s not enough just to believe something. We need to examine it critically, question its foundation, and understand its true nature. Deception: Creating things that mislead or deceive others is wrong. It's about honesty and truthfulness. Distorted Thinking: The verse suggests that focusing on false idols can lead to a distorted view of reality and ultimately harm us. In essence, the verse is urging us to be wary of things that seem appealing but are actually built on lies and don’t offer true guidance or purpose. It's a warning about the dangers of pride and believing in something without proper understanding. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example?