Definition: But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really powerful and important one about living a life that’s truly good and fulfilling. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that doing good deeds without putting in the effort or genuine commitment will ultimately lead to ruin. Think of it like building something with shaky foundations – it’s going to collapse. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But he who heareth, and doeth not…” - This refers to not following God's teachings or living a righteous life. It means ignoring what is right and good. "...is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth..." – Imagine someone trying to build a house on a pile of sand. It’s unstable, it won’t last long, and eventually, it will crumble. This compares a person who doesn't live righteously to someone building something with shaky foundations. "...against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." – This is the worst-case scenario. The "stream" represents God’s judgment or the consequences of our actions. When we don't put in the effort to be good, we cause harm to ourselves, others, and even the world around us. It leads to: “Heated” : The stream is beating down on something, showing how serious the situation is. “Immediately fell” : It doesn't take long for the house to collapse. “Ruin of that house was great” : This signifies a significant loss – it's not just about minor inconvenience; it’s about suffering and damage. So, what does this verse mean practically? It’s a warning against doing good simply because we think we should . True goodness isn’t just about doing nice things; it’s about putting in the effort to live a life that aligns with God's will and brings positive results. It emphasizes the importance of: Commitment: Being dedicated to living a righteous life. Effort: Making an active choice to do good, not just passively accepting things as they are. Responsibility: Recognizing that our actions have consequences and we need to be accountable for them. In short, the verse is a reminder that true goodness isn’t about what you do, but how you do it – with genuine effort and commitment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give some examples of how we can live our lives more like this?