Definition: Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Isaiah 65:5. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage about God and His relationship with humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is speaking to us as if He’s saying, “I’m so holy, that I feel uncomfortable being near you.” He feels like he's surrounded by smoke – a kind of intense, overwhelming feeling – and this feeling is burning all day. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou.” This part is crucial. It's saying, "I'm so righteous, so perfect, that I feel a sense of separation and discomfort." It’s like He’s acknowledging our potential for sin and imperfection. “These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.” This is where it gets really powerful. "Smoke in my nose" represents temptation, wrongdoing, or a feeling of being overwhelmed by bad thoughts. "A fire that burneth all the day" symbolizes intense anger, frustration, or negativity – things that can trouble us and make us unhappy. So, what does this mean for us ? Isaiah 65:5 is often interpreted as a promise that God desires a relationship with humanity. It doesn't mean He’s rejecting us; rather, it signifies that He wants to restore our relationship – to cleanse away the negativity and allow for a closer connection. It speaks to His desire to redeem us and bring us back to Himself. Why is this important? This verse reminds us: God loves us: It’s a powerful statement of God's love and concern for humanity. We are not alone in our struggles: We all experience temptation and negativity at times. God wants to help us: He desires to purify us and restore our relationship with Him. In short, it’s a message of hope – that God is willing to cleanse us and bring us back to Himself. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Isaiah 65? Discuss the meaning within a specific context (like sin or redemption)?