KJV ORIGINAL
Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Otherwise, after you've laid the foundation but can't finish the project, everyone who sees it will start making fun of you.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Don't start what you can't finish, half-built dreams become everyone else's joke.
📚 Historical Context
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is addressing a crowd about the serious commitment required to follow him, using parables to emphasize the need for thorough preparation. He tells the story of a man who begins building a tower but lacks the resources to complete it, which would result in public ridicule. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern culture where failed projects brought shame and mockery, highlighting the importance of counting costs in everyday life.
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