In the book of Ezekiel, God exposes the falsehood behind a common Israelite proverb, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." The people of Judah, amidst calamities and captivity under Nebuchadnezzar, used this saying to blame earlier generations for their suffering, asserting that they bore punishment for their forefathers' sins. God denounces this notion, clarifying that He does not punish a child for his father's sins, nor a father for his child's sins. Each person bears his own guilt, as He declares, "The soul who sins shall die." If a person recognizes his father's wickedness and chooses to live righteously, God affirms, "He shall surely live!" He further appeals to the people, urging, "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies. Therefore turn and live!" The lesson remains clear: everyone is responsible for his own sin, and the path to change lies in individual repentance.