Jeremiah 7:19

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Est-ce moi qu'ils irritent? dit l'Eternel; N'est-ce pas eux-mêmes, A leur propre confusion?

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, God is talking through the prophet Jeremiah. God is asking if people are really provoking Him to anger or if they are only causing confusion and shame for themselves. The message is that people's actions often lead to their own downfall.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game and you keep breaking the rules. Your mom or dad might say, 'Are you trying to make me mad?' But really, you're just making it hard for yourself to enjoy the game. That's what God is saying here - people are doing things that are making life harder for themselves, not really for God.

Historical Background

Jeremiah, a prophet in the Old Testament, wrote this verse around 600 B.C. during the time of the Babylonian exile. The audience was the people of Judah, who were engaging in idol worship and other forms of disobedience, which God found deeply troubling.

Living It Out Today

Imagine a scenario where a person keeps making the same mistakes at work, like missing deadlines or not following company policies. Instead of getting angry, the boss might ask, 'Are you trying to get fired?' but the truth is, the person is only hurting themselves and their career prospects.

Topics

• anger
• confusion
• sin
• judgment
• self-destruction
• God's patience

Related Verses

• Isaiah 1:15
• Hosea 4:18
• 1 Samuel 15:23
• Romans 1:24
• 1 Corinthians 10:22

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God say people provoke themselves?

God emphasizes that the harm caused by their actions is primarily to themselves, not to Him, highlighting the self-destructive nature of sin.

How can we avoid the confusion mentioned in this verse?

By understanding and following God's will, we can avoid the confusion and shame that comes from making poor choices that lead to our own downfall.

What is the context of this verse in Jeremiah?

This verse is part of a broader message where God criticizes the idolatry and hypocrisy of the people, showing that their actions are leading them to self-destruction.

What does this verse teach about God's character?

The verse reveals God's patience and His desire for people to see the consequences of their actions, indicating that He wants to save them from self-inflicted harm.