Definition: Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;
Explanation: Okay, let's break down Proverbs 2:3 – it’s a really important and insightful verse! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if you’re constantly trying to understand everything – always wanting to know more and more – you might be missing out on the good things in life. It encourages us to focus on wisdom and understanding, rather than just accumulating knowledge. Let's unpack it word by word: “Yea” : This is a little bit softer, like a gentle suggestion or encouragement. “Thou criest after” : This means “you’re chasing” or “you’re seeking.” "Criest" is a past tense of "to cry," and it suggests an effort to demand knowledge. It implies a restless, perhaps even frantic, desire. “knowledge” : This refers to wisdom – the ability to make good decisions and understand the world around you. “liftest up thy voice for understanding” : This is the key part! "Liftest up" means to raise your voice or to look closer, to be attentive. “Thy voice” is a direct address to you . It’s telling you to actively try to understand something, not just passively hear it. So, putting it all together: The verse advises us to be mindful of our desire for knowledge. Instead of constantly seeking more information, let's focus on cultivating wisdom – the ability to think clearly and make good choices. It’s about being thoughtful and wise, rather than just busy trying to learn everything. In a nutshell: Don’t always be striving to know everything - instead, strive for understanding! --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of how to cultivate wisdom?