Isaiah 5:21

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Key Reflection

Isaiah 5:21 warns against perverting truth and justice, calling out those who confuse right and wrong, light and darkness, and good and evil. This inversion of values undermines moral discernment and spiritual integrity, highlighting the grave consequences of such deception in both personal and communal life.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Wo unto them that are wise ... -This is the fifth crime specified. It refers to those who are inflated with a false opinion of their own knowledge, and who are, therefore, self-confident and vain. This is expressly forbidden;Proverbs 3:7: ‘Be not wise in thine own eyes;’ compareProverbs 26:12. In their own eyes -In their own opinion, or estimation. And prudent -Knowing; self-conceited. This was, doubtless, one characteristic of the times of Isaiah. It is known to have been strikingly the characteristic of the Jews - particularly the Pharisees - in the time of our Saviour.

More from Isaiah 5

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