Definition: Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded crieth out: yet God layeth not folly [to them].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a pretty poetic and thought-provoking verse from Job, and it's packed with meaning. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense pain and despair after a significant loss or hardship. It speaks about people feeling deeply troubled and frustrated – they’re “groaning” (expressing extreme pain) and the "soul of the wounded" (a person experiencing deep sorrow) is crying out in frustration. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “Men groan from out of the city…” - This isn’t a literal groan; it means they're expressing their pain and frustration outside of their normal lives – like, when they’re wandering aimlessly or feeling lost. "Out of the city" suggests a sense of isolation and being disconnected. “…and the soul of the wounded crieth out…” - “Soul” refers to a person's inner spirit, emotions, and conscience. "Crieth out" is a strong word – it means they’re shouting out their pain, lamenting, and expressing their distress. “Yet God layeth not folly [to them].” - This is the crucial part. It’s saying that even though they're experiencing this deep sorrow and frustration, God doesn't condone or excuse it. He doesn't say "it’s okay" or "you should be happy." Instead, He acknowledges their pain and offers a perspective of peace and comfort. So, what does this verse mean in a broader sense? It’s about the human condition: It highlights that we all experience pain and suffering at some point in our lives. There will be times when things feel overwhelming and difficult. It’s about perspective: The verse suggests that while we might feel foolish or pessimistic, God is not trying to diminish our feelings. He recognizes the validity of our suffering. It speaks of resilience: It implies a glimmer of hope – that even in the darkest moments, God remains steadfast and doesn’t give up on us. In essence, Job 24:12 is a message of comfort and understanding. It's saying that while we may feel foolish or defeated, God is still watching over us and offering a gentle reassurance. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme from the Bible (like suffering, faith, or hope)? Give you a related quote from the text?