“Plans to prosper you and not to harm you” means that even though the Jews were in exile, they were reminded that God will continue to meet their physical, as well as their spiritual needs.God will not withhold His peace and prosperity from those He love and even though the Jews may look at their situation as grim, the love and concern that God has for them will always remain constant, even when they’ve sinned against Him.He will always cover them with His shield of protection and guard their lives from the harmful elements that threaten to destroy them. No matter how far away you may wander from God, He is always there to safely guide you back to Him. This is the character of God and even though you may be punished for your sins, His care and protection are unchangeable. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3.