Definition: Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 17:5. It's a pretty powerful warning with a few layers of meaning. Here’s what it says in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “The LORD is angry with someone who relies on humans instead of relying on Him directly.” Let's unpack that a little further: "Thus saith the LORD..." : This is just Jeremiah speaking as God. It’s a serious statement. "...Cursed [be] the man..." : The LORD is cursing or punishing someone who does something wrong. "Cursed" means to suffer misfortune or punishment. "...that trusteth in man..." : This is the core of the problem. The person is trusting in humans – relying on them to solve problems, provide guidance, and protect them – instead of trusting in God Himself. "...and maketh flesh his arm..." : This is a metaphorical way of saying they are acting in a way that is self-centered and destructive. “Flesh” refers to the human body. So, this person is acting like a human being, but their actions are driven by a lack of faith or connection to God. "...and whose heart departeth from the LORD." : This is the crucial part. Their heart – their thoughts, feelings, and intentions – is wandering away from God. It’s turning towards something that isn't truly good or right. In short, the verse warns against seeking help or solutions in humans instead of relying solely on God. It's about prioritizing human effort over divine guidance and faithfulness. Why is this important? It’s a reminder to: Stay focused on God: Our primary source of strength, wisdom, and purpose comes from Him. Trust in His plan: We should be confident that God has a plan for our lives, even when things are difficult. Don't compromise our faith: Being too reliant on human solutions can lead us away from the true path. Does this mean we shouldn’t ever trust humans? Not necessarily. The verse emphasizes that humans can be helpful and valuable, but we should always prioritize God as the ultimate source of all things. It's about balance – using human help wisely while remaining connected to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a related biblical passage? Discuss what this verse might be teaching us about our relationship with others?