Isaiah 57:20

20 But the wicked are storm-battered seas that can't quiet down. The waves stir up garbage and mud.

Isaiah 57:20 Meaning and Commentary

Isaiah 57:20

But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest,
&c.] Disturbed by winds, storms, and hurricanes, when its waves rise, rage, and tumble about, and beat against the shore and sand, threatening to pass the bounds fixed for it. In such like agitations will the minds of wicked men be, through the terrors of conscience for their sins; or through the malice and envy in them at the happiness and prosperity of the righteous, now enjoyed, upon the downfall of antichrist; and through the judgments of God upon them, gnawing their tongues for pain, and blaspheming the God of heaven, because of their plagues and pains, ( Revelation 16:9 Revelation 16:10 Revelation 16:11 ) : whose waters cast up mire and dirt;
from the bottom of the sea upon the shore; so the hearts of wicked men, having nothing but the mire and dirt of sin in them, cast out nothing else but the froth and foam of their own shame, blasphemy against God, and malice against his people.

Isaiah 57:20 In-Context

18 When I looked again and saw what he was doing, I decided to heal him, lead him, and comfort him, creating a new language of praise for the mourners.
19 Peace to the far-off, peace to the near-at-hand," says God - "and yes, I will heal them.
20 But the wicked are storm-battered seas that can't quiet down. The waves stir up garbage and mud.
21 There's no peace," God says, "for the wicked.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.