6:25
6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
6:26
6:26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
6:27
6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
6:28
6:28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
6:29
6:29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
6:30
6:30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
6:31
6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
6:32
6:32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
6:33
6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
6:34
6:34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
As an enthusiast deeply versed in religious and philosophical discourse, I find great pleasure in delving into the wisdom encapsulated in ancient texts. The passage you've shared is a profound excerpt from the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verses 25 to 34. This section is part of the Sermon on the Mount, a cornerstone of Christian teachings attributed to Jesus Christ.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts and messages conveyed in this biblical passage:
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Anxiety and Life's Essentials:
- The passage begins with a strong exhortation against anxiety concerning life's necessities—food, drink, and clothing. It emphasizes that life is more than these basic provisions.
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Observation of Nature:
- Jesus invites his listeners to contemplate the birds of the air, highlighting their carefree existence. The implication is that God, the heavenly Father, provides for these creatures without them engaging in the toils of farming or storing food.
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Value of Humanity:
- Jesus reinforces the value of human beings, asserting that they are of greater worth than the birds of the air. This underscores the divine concern for individuals and their well-being.
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Futility of Anxiety:
- The passage challenges the efficacy of anxiety, questioning whether worry can add a single hour to one's lifespan. It encourages trust in a higher power's providence.
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Consideration of Nature's Beauty:
- Attention is drawn to the lilies of the field, which grow without laborious effort or spinning. The comparison to Solomon, renowned for his splendor, further accentuates the divine care for even the simplest elements of creation.
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Encouragement to Trust:
- The core message encourages a shift in focus from material concerns to seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The promise is that, by prioritizing spiritual matters, essential needs will be met.
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Awareness of God's Knowledge:
- Acknowledging that God is aware of human needs, the passage contrasts the behavior of the Gentiles who seek after worldly possessions.
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Living in the Present:
- The passage concludes with advice against worrying about the future. Tomorrow will bring its own concerns, and the emphasis is on addressing each day's troubles in the present moment.
In essence, this passage provides a profound spiritual perspective on life, urging individuals to transcend material concerns, trust in divine providence, and prioritize the pursuit of spiritual values. The language used employs vivid imagery from nature to convey timeless wisdom.
