Definition: Will he reserve [his anger] for ever? will he keep [it] to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this scripture – Jeremiah 3:5 – in a way that’s easy to understand. It’s a really powerful and sobering verse from the Old Testament. Here’s what it means, broken down: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that the person who has spoken evil things and done them will continue to hold onto their anger, even after they’ve made terrible choices. It’s a warning about the consequences of sin. Let's look at each part: “Jeremiah 3:5” : This refers to a specific passage in the book of Jeremiah, which is a prophetic message from God to King Josiah. “Will he reserve [his anger] for ever?” : This is the core question. It’s asking if the person will never let go of their anger. “Reserve” means to keep something – in this case, anger – even after it's been used or experienced. It suggests a pattern of negativity that won’t simply fade away. “will he keep [it] to the end?” : This is a continuation of the first question. It’s asking if they will continue to hold onto this anger until the very last moment. “Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.” : This is the most important part – it's a direct condemnation based on what has already been said and done. “Behold” means "look" or "see." It’s pointing out that the person has spoken evil and acted in ways they could have avoided. Putting it all together: The verse is saying that the person who has committed serious wrongdoing – perhaps through injustice, betrayal, or selfish actions – will continue to hold onto their anger and bitterness. They’ve already said something terrible, and they won't let it go, even when they could have done better. It's a lament for the consequences of sin and a call for repentance. What does this mean in real life? This verse is often interpreted as a warning against letting anger consume you. It suggests that holding onto resentment can lead to further bad things, like: Damaging relationships: Anger can hurt people we care about. Making mistakes: Holding onto anger blinds us to the possibility of correction and allows us to make even worse choices. Suffering: Resentment can be a heavy burden on our own peace and well-being. In short, Jeremiah 3:5 is a powerful reminder that words have consequences, and holding onto anger will always lead to pain. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to different situations? Talk about the historical context of this passage?