Definition: But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, saith the LORD: and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof, and it shall devour all things round about it.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 21:14. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic passage about consequences for sin. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is saying that if people are living a life of wickedness and causing trouble, He will punish them severely. He’ll use fire to destroy everything around them – literally, everything surrounding the sinful people. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "But I will punish you..." - This is God's perspective; he's setting up a judgment. "...according to the fruit of your doings..." - This is key! "Fruit" refers to the results of their actions – what they’re doing, what they're producing. It means they’re living a life filled with sin and wrongdoing. “Doingings” is a general term for all their activities. "...saith the LORD:" - This is God speaking directly to us. "...and I will kindle a fire in the forest thereof..." – Imagine a massive, raging fire starting in a large area of forest. That's what he’s describing. "...and it shall devour all things round about it." - This is the most impactful part. The fire will consume everything around the sinful people and their activities. It means it will destroy everything – land, trees, animals, people, everything – from every direction. What does this mean in a broader sense? Historically, this verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition, pride, or disobedience. It suggests that when people prioritize their own desires and actions over God's will and righteousness, they’ll face serious consequences. Important Note: This verse isn’t necessarily about literal fire. It's a powerful metaphor for divine judgment and the destructive power of sin. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its connection to other biblical stories? Give some examples of what "fruit of your doings" could mean in everyday life?