As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.
Like a bird that sits on eggs that will never hatch, a person who gets rich through dishonest means will lose their wealth while they're still alive, and they'll end up looking foolish.
The writer is warning that wealth gained through dishonest or unjust means won't last and will ultimately make the person look foolish.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah was prophesying to the people of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline before their exile to Babylon. Many wealthy individuals were gaining riches through oppression, corruption, and ignoring God's laws about justice and caring for the poor. The prophet used this nature imagery that his audience would understand - partridges were known to sometimes sit on eggs from other birds that wouldn't hatch.
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