Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;
Trouble is coming to anyone who builds their house through dishonest means and adds rooms through wrongdoing; who makes their neighbor work without pay and refuses to give them what they've earned.
God is warning against those who gain wealth and build their lives by cheating others and not paying workers fairly.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah was a prophet in ancient Judah during the 7th century BC, delivering messages from God to warn the kings and people about their sins. This verse specifically targets King Jehoiakim, who was building his royal palace through unjust practices like exploiting workers without fair payment, reflecting a broader pattern of corruption in Judah's leadership. It fits into the prophetic tradition that emphasized God's demand for social justice and ethical governance.
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