Definition: Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 8:18. It’s a really important message about listening and valuing what we hear. Here's the explanation in simple terms: Basically, it means: Listen carefully to what people say; because what you hear can influence your life, and what you don’t hear can take away from you. Let's unpack that a little further: “Take heed therefore how ye hear…” : This is the core of the message. "Take heed" means to pay attention carefully or be aware. “How ye hear” refers to how we’re listening – what we’re focusing on. “…for whosoever hath, to him shall be given…” : This part suggests that those who do listen well will be rewarded or blessed. “Whosoever hath” means "anyone" or “everyone.” It's a general invitation to listen. "To him shall be given" means someone who listens attentively will receive something good – perhaps wisdom, understanding, or even spiritual blessing. “…and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” : This is the crucial part about taking away . “From him” means someone who doesn’t listen well – they might be hearing things that aren't true, or being misled. "That which he seemeth to have" refers to something they appear to possess – perhaps a false idea or a bad reputation. This verse warns us against judging people based on what they say rather than what they actually mean or do. In short, the verse is a gentle warning to be discerning and attentive to what others say. It's about valuing truth over appearances. Why is this important? This story has many layers of meaning, but it’s often interpreted as a reminder to: Be skeptical: Don’t believe everything you hear without thinking critically. Listen with your heart: Don't just passively listen; consider the words carefully and seek understanding. Protect yourself from deception: Be wary of people who try to manipulate or mislead you. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail, perhaps relate it to a specific situation? For example, we could talk about: The story's context (it’s about Jesus and the disciples) What 'being given' and 'being taken' might represent.