Definition: The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Job 18:7. It's a really powerful and somewhat sobering message about life and resilience. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: What it means: This verse essentially says that when you’re facing a difficult situation, feeling overwhelmed, or struggling with something big, your own strength and ability to handle it will be limited. It's like a tightrope – if you push too hard, you could fall! Let’s unpack the parts: “The steps of his strength shall be straitened” : This refers to your abilities, resources, or even your own willpower. “Steps” means actions and ways of doing things. It suggests that when you're struggling, your ability to act effectively is being restricted. Think of it like a narrow path - you can’t easily move forward if the path is blocked. “His own counsel shall cast him down” : This is the key part. "Counsel" means advice, guidance, or wisdom. It's the thought and understanding that you have, your ability to make good decisions. When you're facing a problem, your own counsel can be undermined, leading to feeling lost and hopeless. What it’s telling us: Job is portraying himself as someone who is struggling with a huge challenge. He's admitting he's feeling weak and vulnerable. The verse isn’t saying he will fail completely – it’s suggesting that his own thinking, his own understanding of the situation, might be causing him to stumble. What does this mean for us? It’s okay to feel overwhelmed: It's normal to struggle sometimes. Don't beat yourself up about feeling weak. Seek guidance and wisdom: Don't rely solely on your own thoughts. Talk to trusted friends, family, mentors, or spiritual leaders for help and perspective. Trust in God’s plan: The verse also implies that even when things seem impossible, God has a plan for you. It doesn't mean you can't struggle; it means you need to lean on Him for strength and guidance. In short, this verse is a reminder that while we can’t always control everything, our own thinking and decision-making are important. It encourages us to seek help, trust in God's plan, and not give up easily. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might be saying about human frailty?