Definition: But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 32:8. It's a really interesting and somewhat cryptic passage, so we need to unpack it carefully. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about boundaries and limits . It warns against being overly expansive or trying to do too much – to push things beyond their proper place or understanding. It suggests that someone who tries to be too comprehensive or flexible will inevitably stumble and fall short. Let’s break it down word by word: “But the liberal deviseth liberal things” : “Deviseth” means "to make" or "to expand." So, this part is about someone expanding their ideas, their plans, or their scope of understanding. “Liberal things” refers to things that are flexible, adaptable, and potentially lacking in clarity or definition. “And by liberal things shall he stand” : “Shall he stand?” This is the key. It’s a warning – if someone tries to do too much, they'll be unable to truly stand or succeed. It implies that attempting to encompass everything will inevitably lead to failure or being overwhelmed. So, putting it all together: The verse cautions against being overly flexible and expansive in your thinking or plans. It suggests that striving for unlimited possibilities can lead to chaos and ultimately, failure because you're not grounded in a solid foundation of clarity and understanding. Possible Interpretations & Context (Important!): Religious Interpretation: Historically, this has been interpreted as a warning against excessive religious dogma or interpretations. The "liberal" could represent a desire to impose new ideas or beliefs on the world, which could be seen as a threat to established faith. Philosophical/Existential Perspective: It can also be viewed as a reminder that too much ambition or pursuit of goals without careful consideration can lead to disappointment and a lack of fulfillment. In essence, the verse is a gentle but serious admonishment to stay focused, grounded, and avoid overreaching. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you different possible interpretations? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical stories or teachings?