Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Sannelig, man kan bli lurt av vinen. Slik kan en selvgod mann bli lurt av sin stolthet så han ikke får ro. Han er utilfreds og vil stadig ha mer. Han er som dødsriket, ja, som selve døden. Den blir aldri tilfreds. Han samler alle folkeslagene til seg. Alle hoper seg opp hos ham. Men så skal de gjøre narr av de steke mennene og si: Stakkars han som samlet så mye, men som ikke får beholde noe. Det han samlet var visst bare gammel gjeld. Skal ikke långivere plutselig angripe og forlange det som er deres? Slik blir han et bytte for dem. Du har stjålet mange nasjoner, og de vil angripe og plyndre deg fordi du har vært voldelig både mot folk og mot land. Du har angrepet Jerusalem og alle dem som bor der.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Habakkuk describes a person who is greedy and proud because of their love for wine. This person always wants more, like a bottomless pit that can never be filled. They will do anything to gather wealth or power from other people.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who loves candy so much they eat it all the time. But no matter how many candies they eat, they still want more and more until they take all the candies from everyone else. This verse talks about someone like that but with money or power instead of candy.
Historical Background
Habakkuk wrote this around 600 BC to the people of Judah during a turbulent time when Babylon was rising as a dominant force. The book addresses questions about divine justice and God's sovereignty over history.
Living It Out Today
Consider someone you know who is always striving for more money or power, believing that these will make them happy. This verse warns us to be careful not to fall into the trap of constant dissatisfaction and greed, which can lead to harming others in our pursuit of personal gain.
Topics
greedpridedivine justicesovereignty of Godsinful desireswarning
Wine symbolizes excess and the loss of control, which leads to a person's pride and greed. The context suggests that indulgence can lead someone to transgress boundaries.
What does it mean 'enlargeth his desire as hell'?
This metaphor means that the person’s desires grow without limit, similar to how Hell or a bottomless pit has no end. It indicates an insatiable appetite for more.
How can this verse apply in today's society?
It warns against the dangers of greed and pride, particularly in leadership positions where leaders might exploit others to satisfy their own desires, reflecting issues seen in corporate or political contexts today.
What does 'heapeth unto him all people' suggest?
This suggests that such a person tries to gather wealth and power by taking from many sources. It highlights the broad reach of greed and its impact on various communities.