Ngaˬ ve awˬ shehˍ hpaˇ lehˬ, Neˍmanˍ geh te‸ chiˉ maˇ yuˬ taˉ leh, yawˇ hta‸ hkʼe leˇ kʼo‸-e tcuh ve yoˬ. Suˇriˆ ma‸ poˍ lonˉ oˇ ve tanˇ laˇ ve la‸ shawnˍ teˇ hpaˍ hta‸ yawˇ ha‸ yuˬ cawˇ ve yoˬ. Chi beu‸ ngaˬ yawˇ hkʼaˇ suh gʼa‸ yuˬ leh, yawˇ geh teˇ ceuˬ ceuˬ ca lawˬ yuˬ taˉ shaˍ, teh‸ dawˇ ve yoˬ.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Gehazi, Elisha's servant, is upset that Elisha didn't accept a gift from Naaman, a Syrian. Gehazi decides to chase after Naaman and take some gifts for himself.
Explained for Children
Imagine your friend has a toy, and your mom says you can't take it. But you really want it. Gehazi felt like that, but he decided to sneakily take something anyway, even though he knew it wasn't right.
Historical Background
This passage is from the Old Testament book of 2 Kings, written by an unknown author during the Babylonian exile. It was written for the Israelites to remind them of God's power and how leaders should act.
Living It Out Today
This verse reminds us that sometimes we might be tempted to take what isn't ours, even when we know it's wrong. Think about a time you wanted something that belonged to someone else but knew you shouldn't take it.
Why was Gehazi upset that Elisha didn't accept Naaman's gift?
Gehazi was upset because he saw the gift as an opportunity to gain wealth, which he believed Elisha was missing out on by being generous.
What does this verse teach about the consequences of greed?
This verse shows that greed can lead to dishonesty and can damage one's relationship with God and others, as Gehazi's actions later resulted in him being punished.
How does Gehazi's action contrast with Elisha's?
While Elisha was faithful and obedient, choosing not to accept the gift, Gehazi acted out of selfish motives, showing a lack of faithfulness and obedience.
What can we learn about integrity from this story?
We learn that integrity means being honest and true to our values, even when it's difficult or when we feel we are missing out on something.