In Ezekiel 18, the prophet addresses a cliché, a proverb, that the Judean captives are using to describe their condition: “the fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.”
The Lord expresses shock that anyone would think that He would punish one generation for the sins of another generation. In His response He gives two reasons why this proverb is wrong. Both of the reasons are important and timeless. We need to understand these today.

Jeremiah 29:11 reads: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
When initially reading this verse , it is encouraging because it indicates that God has a plan for us, and those plans will allow for us to prosper, giving us hope for the future. For example, if a person has a bad day, after reading this the conclusion might be that tomorrow will be better because God has a plan for them. While this interpretation is not entirely incorrect, it is incomplete.
Many scholars believe Jeremiah 29:11 to be one of the most misinterpreted verses in the bible in the way that it is often used in our society. Further study into this verse reveals a deeper message that carries multiple lessons.