Woe Unto the Wise

“Woe unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight.”[1]

 

Nailed it! Because a “woe,” a warning of condemnation in this life, is being pronounced here, it is clear that Jehovah is not commending but condemning those who think they are full of wisdom. In addressing those who are excessively proud, vain and full of conceit who consider themselves wise, clever or knowledgeable, Isaiah makes their inability to notice that, next to Jehovah they know nothing, the focal point of his thought. These are they who use their skill to gain acclaim or convert others to their opinion. In a much kinder, gentler way, by just saying “woe,” Isaiah points out to these people that they’re in deep trouble if they don’t repent. But, what do they care; their own vainglory provides suitable affirmation for them of their standing. 


Later in Isaiah, a perfect scriptural description of them and where the road they’re on leads is provided – “Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.”[2]   In other words, enjoy it while it lasts because soon the tables will turn. In another breaking bit of bad news for them – Jehovah “frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish…” [3] 


Do you not see this happening manifestly in our world today? Are we not seeing those who profess to guide us in wisdom shown to be foolish in nearly everything they say? Wonder upon wonder is being performed by Jehovah in judgment, rendering void the knowledge of our so-called sages and showing the wisdom of our intelligent wise men to be insignificant. Scripture puts it this way – “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be his.”[4]

 

ISAIAH SAID THIS WOULD HAPPEN!

 

 

1.  RE Isaiah 1:182nd Nephi 8:16 – LE Isaiah 5:21

2.  RE Isaiah 18:1 – LE Isaiah 50:11

3.  RE Isaiah 15:17 – LE Isaiah 44:25

4.  RE Isaiah 9:5 – LE Isaiah 29:14

 

 

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