Definition: Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 22:13. It's a pretty serious warning about the dangers of living a life based on wrong and unfairness. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that someone who relies solely on others’ work – without paying them fairly – is setting themselves up for a very difficult and potentially disastrous situation. It's essentially saying, "Don’t build your life based on exploiting others." Let’s unpack it word by word: “Jeremiah 22:13” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament – a prophet named Jeremiah who was exiled and facing serious problems. It's a historical account, but it’s important for context. “Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness…” - "Woe" means sorrow or misfortune. “Buildeth his house” refers to a life built on wrong behavior. "...and his chambers by wrong…” – This is a bit more figurative. It means he’s creating a life filled with unfairness, deceit, and exploitation. His “chambers” represent his relationships and how he treats others. “[that] useth his neighbour’s service without wages…” - "Useth" means to use or employ. “His neighbour’s service” refers to someone else's labor – their work, their help, their support. But crucially, it's being used without paying them . "...and giveth him not for his work?” - This is the key part. He’s giving someone a job, but he’s not providing enough to make it worthwhile. It means he’s not compensating them fairly for their effort and contribution. In simpler terms: This verse warns against creating a life where you rely entirely on others' work without offering fair compensation or respect. It suggests that this kind of system will ultimately lead to unhappiness, suffering, and potentially ruin. What does it mean practically? It’s about respecting the value of hard work and human dignity. It encourages us to: Treat others with fairness: Don't exploit people for their own benefit without considering their worth. Provide fair compensation: Ensure that those who contribute are fairly rewarded for their efforts. Don’t build your life on someone else’s misery: Focus on building a life based on honesty, integrity, and respect for all people. Does this apply to today? Absolutely! It's a timeless message about the importance of ethical behavior and fair treatment in our relationships and society. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Connect it to a specific situation or theme in the Bible?