Definition: For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 57:17. It’s a really powerful and complex passage, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here's what it means, explained simply: This verse describes God’s reaction to someone who is excessively greedy and focused on their own gain. Let’s unpack each part: "For the iniquity of his covetousness..." – This is a fancy way of saying “because of his greed” or “due to his selfish desire.” "Iniquity" means moral wrong, bad behavior, or sin. "Covetousness" refers to a deep and restless desire for what others have; it's an obsession with possessions and things that aren’t truly ours. "...was I wroth..." – God is angry at this person. He feels deeply offended by their selfishness. "...and smote him..." – This means God punished or dealt a harsh blow to the person. It wasn't just a simple reprimand; it was a significant punishment. "I hid me..." – This is where it gets really interesting. God hid himself, meaning he withdrew his presence and power from this person. He created distance and separation. "...and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart." – This describes what happened after God’s reaction. The person, consumed by their greed, continued to wander aimlessly and without direction. Their heart (their thoughts and motivations) were driven by selfishness and a lack of focus. They weren't thinking clearly or making good decisions. In short, the verse describes God dealing with someone who is obsessed with their own desire for wealth and possessions, leading to a punishment and a loss of guidance. What it’s trying to say: This verse speaks to the dangers of materialism and excessive greed. It's a warning against focusing on things that don’t truly bring lasting happiness or peace – things that distract us from God and our purpose. It highlights that true fulfillment comes not from possessions but from a relationship with God and serving others. Important Note: The word "frowardly" in this context is really significant. It means a loss of direction, a pathless wandering, or a lack of purpose. The person isn’t simply making mistakes; they are deliberately avoiding any meaningful action or thought. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Connect it to a specific story or concept?