Definition: And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 16:12. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering passage about the dangers of wickedness. Here's a simple explanation: What it means in plain terms: “Jeremiah 16:12 says that you – and everyone around you – are acting in ways that are far worse than your fathers did. And, crucially, you’re all following each other’s imagination , which is their thoughts and desires, even if they're wrong or harmful.” Let's unpack it a little: “And ye have done worse than your fathers…” : This means that the actions of the present generation are significantly more wicked and morally wrong than those of previous generations. It’s not just a slight deviation; it’s a fundamental shift towards something terrible. “…for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart…” : This is the key part. "Imagination" means someone's thoughts and desires, their dreams and fantasies. “His evil heart” refers to the heart – the core of a person’s character – that is filled with negativity, hatred, selfishness, or despair. The verse says everyone is following this imagined course. "...that they may not hearken unto me:" : This means that everyone is ignoring God's voice and guidance. It’s a plea for people to turn back from their wrong ways and listen to God’s truth. What it’s trying to say: Jeremiah is warning about a growing problem – a widespread descent into evil and selfishness. He’s saying that people are becoming so consumed by their own desires, fears, and negative thoughts that they're completely ignoring the true path of righteousness and God’s guidance. It’s essentially saying that we need to pull back from our own negativity and strive for a moral and spiritual life. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of: Moral Responsibility: We all have choices, and those choices shape the world around us. Humility: Recognizing that even we are susceptible to negative thoughts and desires is crucial. Seeking God’s Guidance: It calls for a conscious effort to turn away from our own bad impulses and seek God's wisdom and help. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a specific example of how this verse applies to today’s world?