Isaiah 5:21

21 Woe to those who are ¹wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight *!

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 Who say, "Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; And let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near And come to pass, that we may know it!"

20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight !

22 Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine And valiant men in mixing strong drink,

23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 3:7; Romans 12:16; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20