Definition: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Revelation 3:18. It's a really rich and symbolic message about living a life filled with purpose and value. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: The verse isn’t just about money – it’s about living a life that’s valuable and meaningful . It’s telling us to prioritize things that will truly bless others and make us a good person. Let's break it down word by word: “I counsel thee” : This means “I urge you” or “I advise you.” It’s a gentle, direct instruction. “to buy of me gold tried in the fire” : This is the most important part. "Gold tried in the fire" represents something precious and valuable that has been purified and made stronger through hardship and struggle. Think of it like refining silver – it takes effort to get to a truly beautiful, valuable metal. The “fire” symbolizes trials, challenges, and difficulties we face on our journey. It’s about overcoming obstacles. “that thou mayest be rich” : This isn't just about wealth; it means having sufficient resources – the ability to provide for yourself and others, and to live a comfortable life. It’s about security and stability. “and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed” : "White raiment" refers to clothing made of fine, pure materials, often associated with righteousness and dignity. It represents being dressed in a way that shows your character and worth. “[that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear” : This is a really powerful part. “Nakedness” symbolizes vulnerability, lack of confidence, or feeling exposed – perhaps due to poor choices or a lack of self-awareness. The verse says we don’t want to be vulnerable in this way. “and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve” : This is the most symbolic part. "Eyesalve" refers to tiny, polished stones (often amber) – these are believed to have protective properties and symbolize a connection to God or divine guidance. The verse says “anoint thine eyes” - meaning we should look at our blessings and the good things in our lives. It's about recognizing and appreciating what God has given us, especially when facing difficulties. Overall Meaning – A Call to Purpose & Living a Good Life: The verse essentially encourages us to: 1. Focus on Value: Don’t just chase material possessions; strive for something that truly matters – goodness, integrity, service, and spiritual growth. 2. Prepare Yourself: Invest in yourself – dress well (with good habits and character), and be prepared for challenges. 3. Recognize Blessings: Take time to look at what God has given you, especially when things are tough. This is about gratitude and recognizing His presence in your life. In essence, the verse is a call to live a life of purpose, prioritizing spiritual value over material wealth, and always looking for God’s blessings. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its connection to other biblical passages? Provide some practical ways to live a life that reflects these values?