Definition: Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for [it is] time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Hosea 10:12. It’s a really important message about how we should live our lives. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse is saying that if we focus on living righteously and doing good things, God will bless us with mercy and forgiveness. It's about recognizing that we are responsible for our own happiness and well-being, and that God wants to help us. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Sow to yourselves in righteousness…” – This means to live a life guided by God’s standards – doing what is right, honest, and just. It's about following His laws and principles. “…reap in mercy…” – This is the key part! "Reaping" means to harvest or receive something. In this case, it’s receiving mercy from God – forgiveness, compassion, and kindness. “Break up your fallow ground…” - "Fallow ground" refers to land that isn't being used. It represents a life that hasn't been cultivated or cared for. It means we need to be actively working towards good things and making ourselves productive. “…for [it is] time to seek the LORD…” – This emphasizes that it’s essential to turn to God now, not just later. It’s a call to prayer and seeking His guidance. “Till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” - “He” refers to God. "Rain" symbolizes blessings, gifts, and a divine influence that will fall upon us. "Righteousness" is the result of living righteously – it’s a reward for our good deeds. This verse suggests that God's grace and blessing will come when He works through us. In short: The verse encourages us to be proactive in living a righteous life, because God wants to give us blessings and forgiveness. It's about actively working towards goodness and trusting in His plan. Think of it like this: You don’t just wish for good things; you need to cultivate them by living righteously. God is offering a gift – mercy – if we put our best foot forward. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Give an example of how this principle applies to your life?