Definition: His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat unsettling one. Here's an explanation in plain language: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the fate of someone who is very ambitious or focused on their own things – essentially, someone who isn't grounded in God’s plan for their life. Let's unpack it word by word: “His roots shall be dried up beneath…” - This means that someone who's obsessed with pursuing their own desires and ambitions will lose their connection to the earth and its stability. Their foundation, their grounding in God’s purpose, will weaken. Think of it like a tree – without strong roots, it can easily be uprooted. “…and above shall his branch be cut off.” - This is the crucial part. “Branch” represents someone who's striving for something they want – maybe power, fame, wealth, or recognition. The "cut off" signifies that this ambition will be taken away. It’s like a tree's branches are meant to grow and reach for the sun; if they're cut off, it can't continue to flourish. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is essentially saying that someone who excessively focuses on their own desires and doesn’t listen to God’s guidance will eventually find themselves in a state of stagnation or even failure. It warns against being consumed by ambition without a solid foundation – without connecting to God's plan for them. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that: God’s Plan Matters: We should always be striving for good things, but it’s crucial to keep our eyes on God’s purpose and not get lost in our own ambitions. Stability & Purpose: A life driven solely by self-interest can lead to instability and a lack of fulfillment because there's no real grounding or direction. It’s often interpreted as a warning against pride and vanity. It suggests that true success comes from humility, obedience, and serving God rather than seeking to be recognized for oneself. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse might apply to different situations? Discuss the broader context of this passage within the larger Bible story?