Definition: Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful and insightful verse from Proverbs 28:10. It speaks about the consequences of causing people to stray from righteousness – and what happens when you do that. Here's a simplified explanation: Basically, it means: If you try to trick or lead people away from doing what’s right and good, you’ll end up in a similar situation yourself. Let's unpack it further: “Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray…” – This is a bit metaphorical. "Righteous" means morally correct, just, and pleasing to God. “Go astray” means to stray from the path of righteousness – to make a wrong choice or act in a way that’s not good. “…in an evil way…” – This highlights that it's not about accidentally doing something wrong. It's about deliberately trying to lead someone down a destructive path. “He shall fall himself into his own pit.” – This is the core of the warning. “Pit” represents a state of suffering, difficulty, or being trapped. It’s not necessarily a literal pit; it symbolizes a negative situation where you experience hardship and loss. The person who causes this to happen will also suffer in the same way. “But the upright shall have good things in possession.” – This is the positive part of the verse. "Good things" represent blessings, happiness, prosperity, peace, and a fulfilling life. It's about being blessed and secure because you live in accordance with God’s will. In simpler terms: It’s a warning against trying to manipulate or deceive people for your own benefit. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life – doing what is right and just – as this leads to a better future for yourself and your community. Think of it like this: You can't build a strong house on shaky ground. If you try to trick someone into making a bad decision, you’re inviting trouble for yourself. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its connection to other Bible teachings? For example, we could talk about: The concept of “temptation” and how it relates to this verse. How righteousness is linked to a good life.