Definition: And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 14:19. It’s a bit tricky at first, but it's about priorities and how we should live our lives. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is telling us to focus on what truly matters – the spiritual rewards of living a good life – rather than chasing after things that don’t bring lasting happiness. Let's unpack it word by word: "And another said..." : This refers to someone who was offering something – likely a gift, a promise, or an expectation. "...I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused." : This is the key part. "Five yoke of oxen..." : This describes a large amount of work – perhaps a lot of money, effort, or possessions. It’s about doing things that require a lot of time and energy. "...I go to prove them..." : This means he's going to spend a lot of time and effort on these things, testing them out. He’s hoping to see if they will be successful or worthwhile. "I pray thee have me excused." : This is the crucial part. He’s asking for permission to leave – to not be involved in this activity. Putting it all together: The speaker is saying that he's spending a lot of time and effort on things that aren’t truly important to him. He's prioritizing something outside of his spiritual life, which is the focus of Jesus’ teachings. The Message & Teaching Behind It: Jesus is teaching us about: True Wealth Isn't Measured in Things: He’s saying that true wealth – happiness, fulfillment, and a good reputation – isn't found in accumulating possessions or doing things for the sake of doing things. Focus on Spiritual Growth: It’s much more important to spend our time and energy on things that benefit our soul—like prayer, worshiping God, serving others, and living a righteous life. In essence, this verse encourages us to be mindful of what we really value in life. It's a reminder to shift our focus from external achievements to internal growth and spiritual well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give an example of how this applies to someone’s life?