Definition: But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 6:23 together. It’s a really powerful and insightful message about our inner selves. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse isn’t just saying "don’t be bad." It’s saying that if you have negative thoughts, feelings, or behaviors inside of you, those things will eventually spill out and affect everything else in your life. It's about the connection between our attitudes and our actions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But if thine eye be evil…” – This is a metaphorical way of saying “if you have negative thoughts, bad habits, or unkindness.” It’s about your perspective . Think of it like a lens through which you see the world. “…thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” – “Body” here refers to everything - your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions. These negative things are spreading out and consuming everything around them. It's like a storm cloud gathering – it’s growing stronger. “If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness…” – “Light” represents goodness, truth, love, and happiness. This means your positive qualities – your kindness, compassion, faith, hope, etc. – are being overshadowed by negativity. “…how great [is] that darkness!” – This is the crucial part! "How great" isn’t just about a big amount of darkness; it's about the intensity and impact of that darkness. It suggests that a little negative energy can grow into something overwhelming and damaging, potentially affecting your relationships, your work, or even your well-being. In essence, the verse is a warning to: Be mindful of what you’re thinking. Don't let negativity creep in. Cultivate good thoughts and actions. Focus on positivity and kindness. Recognize and address negative patterns. If you notice yourself getting drawn into darkness, take steps to bring light back into your life. It’s a call for spiritual renewal. It encourages us to actively work on improving our inner selves so that we can live a more fulfilling and blessed life. Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse in more detail? Give you some practical ways to combat negativity?