Definition: Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous Bible passage! It’s often quoted and can sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about trusting God and being prepared for the unexpected. It’s a warning against being overly dependent on things that could fail you – specifically, your own abilities or resources. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Matthew 7:9” : This is the verse itself. “Or what man is there of you…” : This isn't about a specific person. It's asking us – everyone – to consider ourselves. “…whom if his son asks bread…” : This is the key part. Imagine your son (or someone you trust) is hungry and needs food. He’s asking for something basic, like bread. "...will he give him a stone?" : This is the shocking part! A "stone" isn't a literal rock. It symbolizes a setback, failure, or disappointment. It means that if your son asks for something and you don’t provide it, he will be disappointed and deprived of what he needs. So, What Does it Mean? The verse essentially says: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Be prepared for things to go wrong. Don't rely on yourself completely. Have a backup plan, or be ready to offer help if someone is struggling. It’s about Resilience and Faith: It encourages us to trust God's provision and to have faith that He will always work for our good. Why is it important? The Bible often uses this idea as a reminder that God is in control, even when things don’t go as planned. It's about having a proactive attitude towards challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Matthew 7? Discuss the meaning of this verse within a specific context (like dealing with failure)?