Definition: Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken [so much] against thee?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Malachi 3:13. It's a really important and somewhat challenging one, and it speaks to a lot of things about our relationship with God. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that you are being harsh or critical towards God. It’s like you’re constantly criticizing him, even when he’s trying to be kind and helpful. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Your words have been stout against me…” : This means your words – your judgments, criticisms, complaints – have been consistently negative towards God. It suggests a pattern of negativity. “…saith the LORD.” : This is God speaking directly to you. It’s a serious statement coming from the highest authority. “Yet ye say, What have we spoken [so much] against thee?” : This is where it gets interesting. You're also criticizing God! You’re complaining about him, pointing out his flaws, and expressing negativity – just like you’re saying he’s wrong. So, what does this mean in a nutshell? It means that you are engaging in a cycle of negativity. You're constantly attacking God and your faith, while simultaneously criticizing him for his actions or the world around you. It’s like a constant battle – you’re fighting against him, and you’re also fighting against yourself. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a call to repentance. It's urging us to shift our focus from criticizing God to praising him. It means we need to: Change our perspective: Stop focusing on what’s wrong and start appreciating what He does good. Offer gratitude: Remember all the blessings in your life, even small ones, because God is abundant. Seek reconciliation: Reach out to God with a willingness to forgive him and move forward in peace. In short, it's a reminder that our words have power – both for good and for bad. It’s about cultivating a relationship of love and respect with God, rather than bitterness and judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Give you some practical ways to respond to this verse?