Isaiah 5:21

21 How terrible it will be for those who think they are wise! How terrible for those who think they are really clever!

Isaiah 5:21 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 5:21

Woe unto [therm that are] wise in their own eyes
And yet betray such stupidity and sottishness, as to call things by their wrong names; and make such a perverse judgment of them, as before described. This is a true description of the Scribes and Pharisees in Christ's time; who said, "dost thou teach us? are we blind also?" ( John 9:34-40 ) and prudent in their own sight;
being wise above what was written; leaving the word of God, and following the traditions of the elders.

Isaiah 5:21 In-Context

19 How terrible for those who say, "Let God hurry up and do what he says he will. We want to see it happen. Let the Holy One of Israel carry out his plan soon. We want to know what it is."

20 How terrible it will be for those who say that what is evil is good! How terrible for those who say that what is good is evil! How terrible for those who say that darkness is light and light is darkness! How terrible for those who say that what is bitter is sweet and what is sweet is bitter!

21 How terrible it will be for those who think they are wise! How terrible for those who think they are really clever!

22 How terrible it will be for those who are heroes at drinking wine! How terrible for those who are heroes at mixing drinks!

23 How terrible for those who take money to set guilty people free! How terrible for those who don't treat good people fairly!