Isaiah 32:7

7 The smooth tricks of scoundrels are evil. They plot crooked schemes. They lie to convict the poor, even when the cause of the poor is just.

Isaiah 32:7 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 32:7

The instruments also of the churl [are] evil
Not his [vessels] or measures he sells by, which are small and deficient, as Kimchi and Ben Melech interpret it; nor his servants, his tools in doing his wickedness, which are fit for his purpose, wicked men; but rather these are much the same with "the instruments of the foolish shepherd", ( Zechariah 11:15 ) and may signify the evil ways and methods which covetous pastors or shepherds take to fleece the flock, and to increase their own gain:

he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words,
even when the needy speaketh right;
he consults, contrives, and forms schemes with all craft and cunning, on purpose, to corrupt, as the word ^F8 signifies, the poor and meek, humble and afflicted souls, with false doctrines; even when these poor and needy ones, who want to have sound and comfortable doctrine delivered to them, speak and ask for that which is right and just, agreeably to the oracles of God, and the analogy of faith, but can not have it; wherefore such a man is unfit to be a ruler in the house of God.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F8 (rqv yrmab Mywne lbxl) "ad corrumpendum afflictos in eloquiis falsitaits", Montanus.

Isaiah 32:7 In-Context

5 In that day ungodly fools will not be heroes. Scoundrels will not be respected.

6 For fools speak foolishness and make evil plans. They practice ungodliness and spread false teachings about the LORD . They deprive the hungry of food and give no water to the thirsty.

7 The smooth tricks of scoundrels are evil. They plot crooked schemes. They lie to convict the poor, even when the cause of the poor is just.

8 But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.

9 Listen, you women who lie around in ease. Listen to me, you who are so smug.