Definition: And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 19:22. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage in the Bible, and it’s often misunderstood. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about Jesus’ judgment of a man who was being overly proud and selfish. He’s essentially saying this person knowingly disregarded Jesus’ teachings and his own commitment to righteousness. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he saith unto him…” : Jesus is addressing someone who has been behaving in a way that seems disrespectful or rebellious. “…Thou wicked servant.” : This is the key word. "Servant" here isn't just about a worker; it’s about someone who’s prioritizing their own desires over God’s will. It implies a lack of humility and obedience. “Knowest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:” This is the core of the judgment. Let's break it down further: “an austere man” : Jesus is referring to someone who lived a life focused on God’s word – a person who was committed to following His teachings and principles. They were often disciplined and mindful of their actions. “taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:” This is the most complex part. It means: “laying not down” : He was not putting his efforts into a good deed or fulfilling God’s purpose. He wasn't actively working for His kingdom. "reaping that I did not sow" : This is crucial. Jesus was already sowing good works and living a righteous life – he had already been doing the right thing. But this man didn’t continue to do so . He stopped, abandoned, or neglected his commitment to righteousness. He didn't cultivate the goodness that God demanded. What does it mean? Jesus is saying that this person was refusing to follow His teachings and demonstrate love and obedience. It suggests a lack of spiritual maturity and a tendency to prioritize personal gain over divine purpose. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a warning against pride and self-indulgence. It’s a reminder that true faith involves humility, obedience, and a focus on serving God and others. It’s about recognizing that we are called to live a life of righteousness – not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of others and for the glory of God. --- To help me explain it even better and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What specifically are you interested in understanding? (e.g., the meaning of "servant," what Jesus is trying to say about pride?)