Definition: If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really beautiful and insightful piece about the importance of understanding and appreciating God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that we need to be thoughtful and open-minded when it comes to God's purpose for our lives. It’s urging us to look beyond just surface appearances and truly consider why things are the way they are. Let’s unpack each part: “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not…” – This is a little tricky. "Behold" means “look” or “see.” So, it's like saying, "We didn't realize this." It acknowledges that we might be focusing on the outward things – what’s happening – without really understanding the reasoning behind them. “Doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]?” – This is a key part. “Pondereth the heart” means thinking deeply, considering things carefully, and reflecting on their meaning. It suggests looking inward – to our own thoughts and feelings – to understand God’s plan. “And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know [it]?” - This is a metaphorical way of saying that if we are truly focused on what's important to us (our souls), then we might miss the bigger picture or the underlying reason behind things. It’s like when you’re so busy trying to get something, you don’t notice the whole situation. “And shall not he render to [every] man according to his works?” – This is the most important part. It means that God doesn't just give us things based on what we do . He gives us what we earn , based on our efforts, choices, and actions. It’s a promise of reward and consequence. In short, the verse is saying: Don't just focus on the surface; take time to think deeply about why things are the way they are. Because God will ultimately reward you for your efforts and choices. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that our lives aren’t just about accumulating things. They’re about understanding God's plan and living a life that honors Him. --- To help me tailor this explanation even better to you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (Are you grappling with a specific decision or feeling?) Do you have any particular questions about it?