Definition: Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, [and] to turn away thy wrath from them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It's a really powerful and complex passage, but we can understand the core message in simpler terms. Here’s what it means: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s protection and judgment, and how He chooses to use even difficult situations to bring good things into being. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Shall evil be recompensed for good?” – This suggests that some kind of consequence will eventually come from the bad actions. It's not about a perfect balance, but about something happening as a result of wrongdoing. “…for they have dig dug a pit for my soul.” – This is the most impactful part. “Dig dug” means to create a deep hole or pit. “My soul” refers to God himself. So, this verse describes a terrible act – someone deliberately trying to harm or destroy God’s plans and purpose. It's a profound act of rebellion against Him. “Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, [and] to turn away thy wrath from them.” – This is the key part about God’s plan. He already knew this person would do something bad. But He didn't just let it happen. Instead, He actively chose to: Speak good for them: He deliberately offered comfort, hope, and guidance to this person, even though they were causing harm. Turn away thy wrath from them: He actively avoided punishing or condemning this person – showing compassion and mercy instead of anger. Putting it all together – a simplified explanation: God is deeply concerned about evil. He knows someone is going to make a terrible mistake that will cause significant harm, specifically to his own soul. Instead of letting the bad thing happen, God actively chooses to offer forgiveness, comfort, and protection. He uses this situation as an opportunity to show His love and mercy, even when it's hard. The Bigger Picture – It’s about Divine Sovereignty and Redemption: This verse speaks to a fundamental truth: God is in control of everything. He doesn’t just passively allow things to happen; He actively works towards good, even amidst suffering. It also highlights the possibility of redemption - the chance for someone who has fallen into darkness to be saved through God's grace and love. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a testament to God's unwavering protection and justice. It’s about His power and purpose, not necessarily about punishment for the sake of punishment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or example?