Definition: Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 18:18. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about protecting God's word and message. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is warning against trying to destroy or disrupt the message of God, even if they think it’s dangerous or foolish. It’s saying that God’s words are precious and vital, and anyone who tries to undermine them should be stopped. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Then said they…” : This sets up a situation where someone is plotting something against God’s word. “…Come, and let us devise devices…” : They are suggesting a plan – an attack or attempt to silence the message. "Devices" here suggest something disruptive or malicious. "...against Jeremiah..." : This refers to Jeremiah, who was a prophet in ancient Israel. "...for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet." : This is the core of the warning. It emphasizes that God's laws, wisdom (knowledge and understanding), and his message are safe . The idea is that these things – the rules, knowledge, and truth – can’t be easily changed or destroyed. They are protected by God. "...Come, and let us smite him with the tongue..." : This is a very strong phrase. It means to ridicule, criticize, or attack Jeremiah's words. "Smite him with the tongue" suggests using clever arguments and challenging his message. "...and let us not give heed to any of his words." : This is the crucial part – it’s saying that you shouldn’t listen to or react to what Jeremiah says. Resist being swayed by his words, even if they seem persuasive. What's the overall message? The verse highlights a fundamental truth: God's word is resilient and powerful. It’s designed to protect His message from being silenced or distorted. It’s about guarding against those who would try to undermine God's authority and truth. Why is this important in the Bible? This passage is often seen as a reminder of the importance of: Faith: Believing in what God says, even when it’s difficult or challenging. Truth: Protecting and preserving accurate information about God. Listening to Wisdom: Recognizing that wisdom and understanding are valuable and should be respected. In short, this verse warns against seeking to discredit God's message through harmful means. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?