Definition: For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hosea 8:7. It's a pretty poetic and thought-provoking passage about faith and perseverance. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “If you sow the seeds of your faith (or hope), but the winds of hardship and difficulty blow against you – if you don’t have unwavering belief and steadfastness – then those seeds will not grow into something good or fruitful. It'll wither and fail.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “For they have sown the wind…” This refers to our efforts, our hopes, and our beliefs. We're planting the seeds of what we want to achieve – maybe a new relationship, a successful business, or a brighter future. “…and they shall reap the whirlwind:” This is the result of those seeds not growing. A “whirlwind” represents challenges, setbacks, and difficulties in life. It's a powerful, chaotic force that can quickly destroy what you’ve planted. “It hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal:” This highlights the lack of growth or positive outcome. A "stalk" is like a plant growing upwards. “The bud” represents potential – the promise of something good. But because of the wind, there's no harvest , meaning no fruit or benefit. It’s barren. “If so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.” This is the crucial part. "Strangers" represent those who are challenging us – those who are not aligned with our faith and beliefs. They will "swallow" (take over) what we’ve planted, rendering it worthless. It speaks to the idea that opposition and negativity can ultimately diminish our efforts. In a nutshell: It's a warning about the importance of having a strong foundation in your belief system. Don’t be discouraged by difficulties; keep sowing your seeds with faith and hope, even if the wind blows hard, because eventually, God will bring forth what is good. Does this make sense? Would you like me to: Explain it further with a specific example? Discuss the meaning of “wind” in the context of life?