Definition: Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and wise verse from Proverbs 20:22. It's a really powerful message about how to handle difficult situations. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says don’t react with anger or vengeance when things go wrong. Instead, wait for God and He will protect you. Let's unpack it word by word: “Say not thou, I will recompense evil…” - "Thou" is a formal "you." This part warns against taking revenge or getting back at someone who has wronged you. It’s about avoiding a cycle of anger and resentment. “…but wait on the LORD…” – “The Lord” refers to God. Waiting for Him means trusting in His guidance and protection. “and he shall save thee.” - This is the key part! It promises that God will save you from any difficulties or harm, even if you don't understand why. In simpler terms: Don’t fight fire with fire. Instead of trying to get even, trust in God's power and He will always protect you. Why is this important? This verse encourages a mindset of: Patience: It reminds us that things don't always work out as we want them to. Hope: It offers hope that God is in control, even when we’re feeling lost or upset. Trust: It emphasizes trusting in His plan and wisdom, even if we don’t understand it yet. Ultimately, the verse encourages us to approach challenges with a spirit of peace and faith, knowing that God is our protector. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example, would you like to know: What does it mean in a particular situation? How can we apply this principle to our lives?