Definition: Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth [that which is] not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from the book of Habakkuk. It's a really powerful and complex passage about suffering and God’s judgment. Here’s my explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that people are going to actively try to criticize and mock God, even when he’s doing good things. They’ll be constantly trying to make him look bad, and they’ll be trying to trick him into making a bad situation for himself. It's like a constant battle of negativity! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Shall not all these take up a parable against him…” – “Parable” means a story or explanation, often used to teach a moral lesson. This suggests they’re going to tell stories about God, criticizing him, and trying to make him look foolish. “…and a taunting proverb against him…” – “Proverb” is a wise saying or piece of advice. So this means they’ll be offering sarcastic, negative comments about God's actions. They’re going to try to undermine his authority and goodness. “How long?” – This is the key part! They’re asking: “How long will they keep doing this? Will they never stop?” It implies a feeling of unending negativity and frustration. “…and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!” - "Ladeth himself" means to fill himself up with something – often bad, unpleasant, or harmful things. “Thick clay” is a metaphor for something unstable and difficult to manage. So this suggests they’re trying to make God seem incredibly burdened and overwhelmed by his own actions. Overall Meaning: Habakkuk is saying that people are actively seeking to bring God down and create problems for him, even when he's doing good things. They're intentionally provoking him with negativity and difficulty. It’s a strong warning about the dangers of pride, rebellion, and seeking to undermine God’s authority. Why is this important? This verse highlights that true faith isn't just about trusting in God; it’s also about actively resisting negative influences and seeking to be good. It suggests we need to be mindful of our thoughts and actions because they can have a powerful impact on the world around us – even impacting God himself. In short, this verse warns against negativity and challenges us to stand firm in faith and seek to do what’s right. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give an example of a situation that might lead people to this kind of behavior? Talk about the context of the book Habakkuk (the king and his prayers)?