Definition: And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid [it] to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Isaiah 57:11. It's a really profound statement about God’s perspective on humanity. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “God has been watching over us and hasn’t ever judged us, even when we’ve lied or disobeyed Him.” It expresses a sense of divine patience and protection. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And of whom hast thou been afraid…?” – This is the key question. It means God has observed humanity for a long time, not just now, but throughout history. He’s been aware of our actions, both good and bad. "...that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me..." - This speaks to deception. It's about times when we have tried to hide from God or deceive others. It implies a deliberate attempt to avoid acknowledging His presence or guidance. "...nor laid [it] to thy heart?" – This is a crucial part. "Lay it to your heart" means to deliberately conceal something, to be ashamed of it, or to not acknowledge it. The verb “laid” here suggests a conscious choice to avoid acknowledging God’s presence in our lives. “have not I held my peace even of old…” – This is where the story gets really significant. It means God has been patiently waiting and observing, always maintaining a sense of peacefulness and trust. He's not rushed or demanding. "...and thou fearest me not?" - This is the final, most impactful part. It’s a statement of divine protection – God isn’t fearful of us because we're flawed, but rather, He’s protected us from ourselves and our choices. What it Means on a Deeper Level: God’s Patience: The verse highlights God's immense patience. He doesn't get angry or frustrated easily. Divine Protection: It suggests that God isn’t just passively watching; He actively protects us from our own mistakes and desires to be free from our deceit. A Reminder of Our Responsibility: It also serves as a reminder to ourselves – to be honest, to take responsibility for our choices, and to seek God's guidance rather than relying on self-deception. In short, this verse is a powerful message about God’s unwavering presence and protection, even when we struggle with our own flaws. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example from the Bible?