Definition: And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Nehemiah 8:12. It’s a really important message about responsibility and the importance of listening. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: When people are enjoying themselves – eating, drinking, laughing, celebrating – they’re understanding something. They’ve heard a message or instruction from God. But when they’re so focused on their own pleasure that they don’t listen to what God is telling them , it’s a problem. Let's unpack it further: “They went their way…” : This refers to the people of Jerusalem, who were enjoying themselves after the rebuilding of the walls. “…to eat, and to drink, and to send portions…” : This is about indulging in pleasures – food, drinks, and socializing. It’s a celebration of life! “…and to make great mirth…” : “Mirth” means laughter and joy. They were having a lot of fun. "...because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.” : This is the key part. They understood something from God’s message – likely about their duty to rebuild the city and follow God’s laws. So, what's the big takeaway? It highlights the importance of listening to God . When we listen to His word, even when it seems boring or doesn't immediately appeal to us, it’s a sign that we’re open to understanding His will and guidance. Ignoring God’s message leads to things going wrong – in this case, unrest and disobedience. In essence, it’s a warning against being frivolous and focusing solely on our own desires at the expense of following God's instructions. Do you want me to explain any of these points further, or perhaps explore a specific aspect of the verse? For example, we could talk about: The context of Nehemiah – why was this verse important? How this relates to our own lives today?