Definition: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 13:9 together. It's a really important message about staying grounded and avoiding things that aren't healthy for our minds and spirits. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: Don’t be swayed by confusing or new ideas. It’s asking us to resist being constantly bombarded with different opinions, beliefs, or ways of thinking that don’t really help us grow and stay true to ourselves. Let's unpack it a little further: “Be not carried about…” – This means don’t be restless or easily swayed by new things. Don’t jump from one belief to another without considering the whole picture. It’s like being swept away by a current. “…with divers and strange doctrines.” - "Divers" means different or varied. “Strange doctrines” refers to ideas that are unusual, unfamiliar, or not based on solid truth. It's about things that aren't natural or right for us. “For [it is] a good thing that the heart be established with grace…” – This is the key part. “Established with grace” means that our minds and spirits need to be nurtured and cared for, not just filled with opinions or arguments. It's about having a stable and peaceful inner life. “…not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” - This is where it gets a little more detailed. “Meats” are often used to mean food, but here it refers to ideas , beliefs, or practices that aren’t nourishing our minds and hearts. The idea is that if we're constantly focusing on new ideas without grounding ourselves in truth and peace, they can actually harm us. “Occupied therein” means that these new ideas are taking up too much space and preventing us from being centered in God and true faith. In short: The verse warns against being easily misled by confusing or unhelpful beliefs. It encourages a focus on truth, peace, and staying grounded in what’s truly good and right – rooted in God's word and our relationship with Him. Think of it like this: A healthy body needs to be nourished with good food (truth and faith). If we constantly eat bad or confusing ideas, it can damage us from the inside out. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you some examples of things that might be considered "strange doctrines"? Talk about how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?