Definition: Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joel 1:11. It’s a pretty serious message about God’s concern for our livelihoods and future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that our crops – wheat and barley – have failed, and we need to be worried. It’s a warning about potential hardship and a call to action. Let's break it down word by word: “Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen…” - This means “you, as husbands and wives, should be aware of this.” It's a gentle reminder that we’re responsible for our responsibilities within our families. “… howl, O ye vinedressers…” – This is where it gets a little more evocative. "Vinedressers" refers to farmers who tend to grapes and olives – these were important crops in ancient times. So, “you, as husbands and wives, should be worried about the future of our livelihoods.” It’s suggesting we need to think about what will happen if we don't take care of things. “…for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.” - This is the core of the message. “Harvest” means a successful crop – in this case, our crops. "Is perished" means it has failed or been lost. Putting it all together: Joel is warning that if we don’t care for our families and our livelihoods (our farms), then everything we've worked for will be lost. It’s a message of potential hardship and the importance of being prepared, responsible, and taking care of what matters. What does it mean practically? It’s a reminder to: Be mindful: Think about your responsibilities within your family relationships. Take responsibility: Don't let things fall apart because you weren't careful or diligent. Prepare for the future: It’s a call to action – we need to think ahead and take steps to ensure our families and our livelihoods are secure. In short, Joel 1:11 is a gentle but serious warning about potential problems that can arise from neglecting our responsibilities. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse or would you like me to explain it in another way? For example, are you curious about its context within the larger story of the book of Joel?