Definition: Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied [him]? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil [is] good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where [is] the God of judgment?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Malachi 2:17. It's a really powerful and important passage about repentance and God’s disappointment with people who are focused on their own problems instead of seeking Him. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Malachi is speaking to a king and his court – essentially, to the people of Israel – who were being unfaithful and not following God's laws properly. The verse says that they are weary of God because their words and actions aren’t leading Him to good or righteous behavior. It’s like saying, “We’re exhausted trying to talk about our problems, but we’re not actually doing anything right.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ye have wearied the LORD with your words…” – This is a bit metaphorical. It means that the people are talking and praying a lot, but they aren't truly listening to God’s message or acting in a way that pleases Him. They're focusing on their own desires and problems rather than seeking His will. “Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied [him]?” – This is the key part. They are claiming they haven't actually exhausted God’s patience. It implies that they've been talking and praying for a long time without any real change or repentance. They’re saying, “We’ve been trying to get our way with God, but we haven’t actually done anything to please Him.” “When ye say, Every one that doeth evil [is] good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where [is] the God of judgment?” – This is where it gets really significant. The verse uses a series of thought-provoking questions: “Every one that doeth evil [is] good in the sight of the LORD…” - This suggests that God isn’t just judging them, but observing them. He's looking at their actions and seeing if they are pleasing to Him. It implies a measure of grace – He sees something good even in their wrongdoing. “and he delighteth in them” - This is the most surprising part. God doesn’t just look down on them; He delights in them! It's like saying, "He finds satisfaction or pleasure in what they do, even when it’s wrong." “Or, Where [is] the God of judgment?” – This is a question of ultimate disappointment. The speaker is asking if there really is a divine judge who will punish them for their lack of righteousness. It points to a feeling of unease and a sense that something is fundamentally wrong with their behavior. Overall Meaning & Significance: Malachi 2:17 emphasizes God’s patience but also his absolute justice. It's a call to repentance – to change our ways, repent of our sins, and seek His will more earnestly. It’s about recognizing that true righteousness isn't achieved through our own efforts but through obedience to God’s commands. In short: This verse is a warning against selfish ambition and a plea for sincere repentance. It suggests that God doesn't just punish people; He delights in those who turn from Him and seek His will, even when they are doing wrong. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss what this verse might mean in a specific context (like Israel’s situation)?