Definition: For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 12:6. It’s a really important and sobering message about the dangers of false friendship and deception. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning us against trusting people who are trying to mislead or deceive us, even if they say nice things. It's saying that Jeremiah is concerned about a group of people – likely leaders or influential figures – who are actively trying to harm and push you away. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Jeremiah 12:6” : This refers back to a specific situation in the Old Testament, where Jeremiah is speaking about a group of people who were causing trouble. “For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father…” : This means “even your friends and your family – those close to you.” It’s emphasizing that this isn't just about one person; it's about a whole group. “…even they have dealt treacherously with thee…” : This is the core of the warning. "Deceived" or "traversed" means they’ve been dishonest and misled you . They’re acting in ways that are harmful to you. “Yea, they have called a multitude after thee:” This is a powerful phrase – “a multitude” means a huge group. They've gathered around you, forming a large group of people who are trying to influence your thoughts and actions. “…believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.” : This is the crucial part. “Believe them not” means don’t trust their words or promises. “Speak fair words” means they're saying nice things - flattering you, offering comfort – but it's all a lie. What does this mean for us today? It’s a warning to be cautious of people who: Promise too much: They might offer benefits that aren’t real. Say nice things to manipulate us: They might use flattery or sympathy to get what they want from you. Are deceptive: They're actively trying to lead you astray with lies and false promises. The overall message is a call for discernment. We need to be able to recognize when someone isn’t being honest and trustworthy, and we must not blindly trust them. In short, the verse urges us to stay strong in our faith and resist those who try to deceive us with false words and promises. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you a real-life example of how this principle applies?