Isaiah 5:21

21 What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so 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 They even mock God and say, “Hurry up and do something! We want to see what you can do. Let the Holy One of Israel carry out his plan, for we want to know what it is.”

20 What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.

21 What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.

22 What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine and boast about all the alcohol they can hold.

23 They take bribes to let the wicked go free, and they punish the innocent.