Definition: And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked [thee] to anger before the builders.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 4:5. It's a really important message about God’s perspective and how He sees us. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God doesn't just accept our mistakes or wrongdoing. He actively judges and reacts to them, and He wants to be aware of them. Basically, God isn't okay with people being bad. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And cover not their iniquity..." – “Iniquity” is a tricky word. It means "sin" or "evil deeds." It’s like the ‘bad stuff’ we do that we don't want to be held accountable for. "...and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee:" – This is the core of the verse. “Before thee” means “God.” He’s saying, "You are aware of this." He’s looking at what we’ve done and recognizing it. "For they have provoked [thee] to anger..." – This is a crucial part. “Provoked” means that God feels upset or angered by our actions. He sees our behavior as causing trouble, frustration, or even harm. So, what does this mean practically? It's like saying, "God isn’t happy with you." It suggests: God is watching: He’s keeping an eye on us and noticing our choices. God is judging: He's holding us accountable for our actions. God is angered by our behavior: He doesn't just tolerate mistakes; he sees them as a problem that needs to be addressed. Why is this important? This verse highlights God’s holiness and justice. It reminds us that we are not perfect, and that we all make mistakes. It shows that God is willing to hold us responsible for our choices. In short: Nehemiah 4:5 tells us that God is aware of our wrongdoing and reacts to it, showing that He cares deeply about what happens with our actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to everyday life?