Isaiah 6

Isaiah 6:1

No Malicious Pleasure

Solomon prohibits his son from gloating when his enemy falls (Proverbs 24:17). He must not even be glad in his heart, that is, have any inner satisfaction over it, if his enemy stumbles. These are personal enemies, people who make our life difficult. It is perhaps understandable to be thankful when something happens to our enemy because it frees us from a tormentor, but rejoicing over it is something else. Here it is about rejoicing over the fall of an enemy with the thought that he is getting his due. Gloating plays a role in this. Such rejoicing is forbidden.

David did not rejoice over the fall of Saul and also called for ensuring that others would not do so (2 Samuel 1:20). A former bodyguard of the cruel Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein who managed to escape from his grip and then came to know Christ said he did not rejoice over the dictator’s death. The thought of this cruel man being in the place of pain did not give him joy, but sorrow. The Lord Jesus says we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).

In Proverbs 24:18 we are told why we are advised not to rejoice in a gloating way over the fall of our enemy. God allowed our enemy to harass us because He had a purpose in doing so. If He causes the enemy to be eliminated and we gloat over that, we are offending a creature of God. That is evil in the eyes of God. Then He can turn His wrath away from our enemy, causing him to act like our enemy again, perhaps in a different guise. We are then not rid of him.

Isaiah 6:2

No Malicious Pleasure

Solomon prohibits his son from gloating when his enemy falls (Proverbs 24:17). He must not even be glad in his heart, that is, have any inner satisfaction over it, if his enemy stumbles. These are personal enemies, people who make our life difficult. It is perhaps understandable to be thankful when something happens to our enemy because it frees us from a tormentor, but rejoicing over it is something else. Here it is about rejoicing over the fall of an enemy with the thought that he is getting his due. Gloating plays a role in this. Such rejoicing is forbidden.

David did not rejoice over the fall of Saul and also called for ensuring that others would not do so (2 Samuel 1:20). A former bodyguard of the cruel Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein who managed to escape from his grip and then came to know Christ said he did not rejoice over the dictator’s death. The thought of this cruel man being in the place of pain did not give him joy, but sorrow. The Lord Jesus says we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).

In Proverbs 24:18 we are told why we are advised not to rejoice in a gloating way over the fall of our enemy. God allowed our enemy to harass us because He had a purpose in doing so. If He causes the enemy to be eliminated and we gloat over that, we are offending a creature of God. That is evil in the eyes of God. Then He can turn His wrath away from our enemy, causing him to act like our enemy again, perhaps in a different guise. We are then not rid of him.

Isaiah 6:3

The Evil Man Has No Future

Proverbs 24:19 looks like a quote Solomon copied from his father David, who said the same thing (Psalms 37:1; Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1). It is foolish to “fret because of evildoers” and to be “envious of the wicked”. Proverbs 24:20 gives the reason for this, which can be seen by the word “for” with which the verse begins. The future fate of the wicked should keep the son from becoming envious of their present prosperity. Their prosperity has an expiration date. After that, it is finished. He must also realize that God in His providence still allows evil-doers and wicked people to have their way. They are under His control, even though it seems as if they can go about their business undisturbed.

What they do can make us angry in some cases and envious in others. It just depends on what they are doing and how we view or have to do with it. If we only look at them and their behavior, we get to such feelings. Then we show a very short-sighted view of them. We need to be aware that evil has no future, but will be judged and locked in hell for eternity, with no prospect of deliverance. The lamp of wicked people, that is, their light of life, will not shine forever. Their life will be extinguished, as happens with an oil lamp that is blown out. Nor will their lamp ever be lit again (Job 18:5-6; Job 21:17).

Isaiah 6:4

The Evil Man Has No Future

Proverbs 24:19 looks like a quote Solomon copied from his father David, who said the same thing (Psalms 37:1; Proverbs 23:17; Proverbs 24:1). It is foolish to “fret because of evildoers” and to be “envious of the wicked”. Proverbs 24:20 gives the reason for this, which can be seen by the word “for” with which the verse begins. The future fate of the wicked should keep the son from becoming envious of their present prosperity. Their prosperity has an expiration date. After that, it is finished. He must also realize that God in His providence still allows evil-doers and wicked people to have their way. They are under His control, even though it seems as if they can go about their business undisturbed.

What they do can make us angry in some cases and envious in others. It just depends on what they are doing and how we view or have to do with it. If we only look at them and their behavior, we get to such feelings. Then we show a very short-sighted view of them. We need to be aware that evil has no future, but will be judged and locked in hell for eternity, with no prospect of deliverance. The lamp of wicked people, that is, their light of life, will not shine forever. Their life will be extinguished, as happens with an oil lamp that is blown out. Nor will their lamp ever be lit again (Job 18:5-6; Job 21:17).

Isaiah 6:5

Fear the LORD and the King

Solomon addresses his son very directly (“my son”) to hold out to him that he must fear both God and the king (Proverbs 24:21). He tells him to have reverence for the highest authority in the universe, that of God, and the God-established authority on earth that represents Him, the king (1 Peter 2:17b; Romans 13:1-7). He can do this by submitting to it and obeying it.

Opposed to fearing God and the king is “being given to change”. By “change” is meant here the abandonment of God’s authority and that of His representative on earth. These are people who no longer want to be obedient to Him, who rebel against His authority. They want to overthrow His authority and that of the king. Such people want to make changes in the God-given authority structures and bend them to their own will.

These are people who bend God’s Word to their will and thereby cast it aside. Certain authority structures, such as that of husband and wife, are declared time-bound. What God’s Word says about them is declared obsolete and thus outlawed. We see this in politics, in society, in families and also in churches. Authority has become a ‘dirty’ word.

Proverbs 24:22 gives the reason for the previous verse’s warning. We see this in the word “for” with which the verse begins. If the son engages with these rebels against the authority of God and the king, the changemakers and innovators or new-lighters, he will share in the ruin that will suddenly loom before them. God and the King – by Him is ultimately meant the Lord Jesus – will “both” assert their authority. What that will bring about in terms of tribulation for the rebels remains a question for a while. That only makes the warning all the more threatening.

The reward for those who live in peace under the authority of God in the world is the escape from the calamities that will come upon the rebellious. Those who are under authority and respect it will not harm one another. They are kept from envying and even striking one another (cf. Mt. 24:48-49). A positive effect of recognition of authority is the presence of rest and peace.

Isaiah 6:6

Fear the LORD and the King

Solomon addresses his son very directly (“my son”) to hold out to him that he must fear both God and the king (Proverbs 24:21). He tells him to have reverence for the highest authority in the universe, that of God, and the God-established authority on earth that represents Him, the king (1 Peter 2:17b; Romans 13:1-7). He can do this by submitting to it and obeying it.

Opposed to fearing God and the king is “being given to change”. By “change” is meant here the abandonment of God’s authority and that of His representative on earth. These are people who no longer want to be obedient to Him, who rebel against His authority. They want to overthrow His authority and that of the king. Such people want to make changes in the God-given authority structures and bend them to their own will.

These are people who bend God’s Word to their will and thereby cast it aside. Certain authority structures, such as that of husband and wife, are declared time-bound. What God’s Word says about them is declared obsolete and thus outlawed. We see this in politics, in society, in families and also in churches. Authority has become a ‘dirty’ word.

Proverbs 24:22 gives the reason for the previous verse’s warning. We see this in the word “for” with which the verse begins. If the son engages with these rebels against the authority of God and the king, the changemakers and innovators or new-lighters, he will share in the ruin that will suddenly loom before them. God and the King – by Him is ultimately meant the Lord Jesus – will “both” assert their authority. What that will bring about in terms of tribulation for the rebels remains a question for a while. That only makes the warning all the more threatening.

The reward for those who live in peace under the authority of God in the world is the escape from the calamities that will come upon the rebellious. Those who are under authority and respect it will not harm one another. They are kept from envying and even striking one another (cf. Mt. 24:48-49). A positive effect of recognition of authority is the presence of rest and peace.

Isaiah 6:7

No Partiality in Judgment

Here a new section begins, but clearly in close connection with the preceding one (Proverbs 22:17-24:22). This is evident from the words “these also are sayings” (Proverbs 24:23a). The now following sayings or proverbs – in Proverbs 24:23-34 – are “of” or “for the wise”. They are meant for those who are already wise, but who want to become even wiser. Wisdom is demonstrated precisely by a person’s desire to grow in wisdom.

This section begins by condemning partiality in judgment (Proverbs 24:23b). The point is that a judge must clearly distinguish between righteousness and evil (Proverbs 18:5; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:19). He must not confuse the two and apply them to the wrong person out of partiality.

For example, he must not say to a wicked person: “You are righteous” (Proverbs 24:24). If he does, not only will God judge him, but he will also bring upon himself the curse of the peoples and the abhorrence of the nations. This is not just any opinion, nor is it just anyone saying this. Here is someone speaking who speaks justice in public and does so in the Name of God. This is a gross violation of justice and also a great dishonor to the Judge of the whole earth. A judge who is so partial as to pronounce such a verdict is cursed and abhorred by everyone everywhere on earth.

When justice is done by condemning the wicked and acquitting the righteous, it is a delight to those “who rebuke” (Proverbs 24:25). Over judges who uphold justice and over those who rejoice in it will come a good blessing. God finds in them the characteristics of Himself. There is always blessing associated with doing and standing up for justice.

In order for justice to be upheld and for a judge to make the right judgment in a case, it is important for a witness to give “a right answer” (Proverbs 24:26). It may also be about the judge making a proper decision in a case. A right answer is a valuable contribution to peace and rest in the land, which we may apply to the local church. He who does this does not receive curses (Proverbs 24:24), but expressions of love.

Kissing the lips is a recognition of the value of the right answers given. Such words do not bring separation, but connect in love. A kiss is also a sign of reconciliation (Psalms 2:12). One who gives a right answers works reconciliation.

Isaiah 6:8

No Partiality in Judgment

Here a new section begins, but clearly in close connection with the preceding one (Proverbs 22:17-24:22). This is evident from the words “these also are sayings” (Proverbs 24:23a). The now following sayings or proverbs – in Proverbs 24:23-34 – are “of” or “for the wise”. They are meant for those who are already wise, but who want to become even wiser. Wisdom is demonstrated precisely by a person’s desire to grow in wisdom.

This section begins by condemning partiality in judgment (Proverbs 24:23b). The point is that a judge must clearly distinguish between righteousness and evil (Proverbs 18:5; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:19). He must not confuse the two and apply them to the wrong person out of partiality.

For example, he must not say to a wicked person: “You are righteous” (Proverbs 24:24). If he does, not only will God judge him, but he will also bring upon himself the curse of the peoples and the abhorrence of the nations. This is not just any opinion, nor is it just anyone saying this. Here is someone speaking who speaks justice in public and does so in the Name of God. This is a gross violation of justice and also a great dishonor to the Judge of the whole earth. A judge who is so partial as to pronounce such a verdict is cursed and abhorred by everyone everywhere on earth.

When justice is done by condemning the wicked and acquitting the righteous, it is a delight to those “who rebuke” (Proverbs 24:25). Over judges who uphold justice and over those who rejoice in it will come a good blessing. God finds in them the characteristics of Himself. There is always blessing associated with doing and standing up for justice.

In order for justice to be upheld and for a judge to make the right judgment in a case, it is important for a witness to give “a right answer” (Proverbs 24:26). It may also be about the judge making a proper decision in a case. A right answer is a valuable contribution to peace and rest in the land, which we may apply to the local church. He who does this does not receive curses (Proverbs 24:24), but expressions of love.

Kissing the lips is a recognition of the value of the right answers given. Such words do not bring separation, but connect in love. A kiss is also a sign of reconciliation (Psalms 2:12). One who gives a right answers works reconciliation.

Isaiah 6:9

No Partiality in Judgment

Here a new section begins, but clearly in close connection with the preceding one (Proverbs 22:17-24:22). This is evident from the words “these also are sayings” (Proverbs 24:23a). The now following sayings or proverbs – in Proverbs 24:23-34 – are “of” or “for the wise”. They are meant for those who are already wise, but who want to become even wiser. Wisdom is demonstrated precisely by a person’s desire to grow in wisdom.

This section begins by condemning partiality in judgment (Proverbs 24:23b). The point is that a judge must clearly distinguish between righteousness and evil (Proverbs 18:5; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:19). He must not confuse the two and apply them to the wrong person out of partiality.

For example, he must not say to a wicked person: “You are righteous” (Proverbs 24:24). If he does, not only will God judge him, but he will also bring upon himself the curse of the peoples and the abhorrence of the nations. This is not just any opinion, nor is it just anyone saying this. Here is someone speaking who speaks justice in public and does so in the Name of God. This is a gross violation of justice and also a great dishonor to the Judge of the whole earth. A judge who is so partial as to pronounce such a verdict is cursed and abhorred by everyone everywhere on earth.

When justice is done by condemning the wicked and acquitting the righteous, it is a delight to those “who rebuke” (Proverbs 24:25). Over judges who uphold justice and over those who rejoice in it will come a good blessing. God finds in them the characteristics of Himself. There is always blessing associated with doing and standing up for justice.

In order for justice to be upheld and for a judge to make the right judgment in a case, it is important for a witness to give “a right answer” (Proverbs 24:26). It may also be about the judge making a proper decision in a case. A right answer is a valuable contribution to peace and rest in the land, which we may apply to the local church. He who does this does not receive curses (Proverbs 24:24), but expressions of love.

Kissing the lips is a recognition of the value of the right answers given. Such words do not bring separation, but connect in love. A kiss is also a sign of reconciliation (Psalms 2:12). One who gives a right answers works reconciliation.

Isaiah 6:10

No Partiality in Judgment

Here a new section begins, but clearly in close connection with the preceding one (Proverbs 22:17-24:22). This is evident from the words “these also are sayings” (Proverbs 24:23a). The now following sayings or proverbs – in Proverbs 24:23-34 – are “of” or “for the wise”. They are meant for those who are already wise, but who want to become even wiser. Wisdom is demonstrated precisely by a person’s desire to grow in wisdom.

This section begins by condemning partiality in judgment (Proverbs 24:23b). The point is that a judge must clearly distinguish between righteousness and evil (Proverbs 18:5; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 16:19). He must not confuse the two and apply them to the wrong person out of partiality.

For example, he must not say to a wicked person: “You are righteous” (Proverbs 24:24). If he does, not only will God judge him, but he will also bring upon himself the curse of the peoples and the abhorrence of the nations. This is not just any opinion, nor is it just anyone saying this. Here is someone speaking who speaks justice in public and does so in the Name of God. This is a gross violation of justice and also a great dishonor to the Judge of the whole earth. A judge who is so partial as to pronounce such a verdict is cursed and abhorred by everyone everywhere on earth.

When justice is done by condemning the wicked and acquitting the righteous, it is a delight to those “who rebuke” (Proverbs 24:25). Over judges who uphold justice and over those who rejoice in it will come a good blessing. God finds in them the characteristics of Himself. There is always blessing associated with doing and standing up for justice.

In order for justice to be upheld and for a judge to make the right judgment in a case, it is important for a witness to give “a right answer” (Proverbs 24:26). It may also be about the judge making a proper decision in a case. A right answer is a valuable contribution to peace and rest in the land, which we may apply to the local church. He who does this does not receive curses (Proverbs 24:24), but expressions of love.

Kissing the lips is a recognition of the value of the right answers given. Such words do not bring separation, but connect in love. A kiss is also a sign of reconciliation (Psalms 2:12). One who gives a right answers works reconciliation.

Isaiah 6:11

Financial Independency

This verse is about setting the right priorities in life. It tells us to do the things that need to be done first. First one thing, “afterwards” the other. We must keep the right order in our pursuits. If we do not, our life becomes chaos and ends in failure.

The application can be made to forming a family. Before a person can begin that, he must be able to support his family. Therefore, he must first have an income. He can get that by working for it. From what he earns by working, he can start building his house, that is, forming a family and also maintaining it.

Isaiah 6:12

A False Witness and Revenge

Proverbs 24:28 is a warning not to be tempted to testify against a neighbor without a clear reason. We may find ourselves in circumstances where colleagues or people close to us ask our opinion about the behavior of someone with whom we work or who lives in our neighborhood, with the intention of denouncing such a person. If we personally have not had a particular experience with the person in question, we should not let ourselves be misled and not be a witness in that matter. The message is that there must be very solid reasons before anyone should ever go against a neighbor as a witness.

Nor should feelings of revenge play any role in a lawsuit (Proverbs 24:29). Still less should anyone take the law into his own hands. If someone has wronged us, we might use either option, but they are both wrong. We must not repay someone for the evil he has done to us. We may not even say it, out loud or in our hearts.

To have this mind requires that we trust God. It does not escape Him that evil has been done to us. Nor does our reaction to it escape Him. He knows how we may react. If we want to repay someone, we take the place of God as Judge (Romans 12:19). Injustice done to us, we may, as the Lord Jesus did, surrender “to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). This was also the attitude David took toward Saul. He did not want to be his own judge, but surrendered Saul to God and waited to see what He would do with Saul. In doing so, he did not come out of that ashamed.

Isaiah 6:13

A False Witness and Revenge

Proverbs 24:28 is a warning not to be tempted to testify against a neighbor without a clear reason. We may find ourselves in circumstances where colleagues or people close to us ask our opinion about the behavior of someone with whom we work or who lives in our neighborhood, with the intention of denouncing such a person. If we personally have not had a particular experience with the person in question, we should not let ourselves be misled and not be a witness in that matter. The message is that there must be very solid reasons before anyone should ever go against a neighbor as a witness.

Nor should feelings of revenge play any role in a lawsuit (Proverbs 24:29). Still less should anyone take the law into his own hands. If someone has wronged us, we might use either option, but they are both wrong. We must not repay someone for the evil he has done to us. We may not even say it, out loud or in our hearts.

To have this mind requires that we trust God. It does not escape Him that evil has been done to us. Nor does our reaction to it escape Him. He knows how we may react. If we want to repay someone, we take the place of God as Judge (Romans 12:19). Injustice done to us, we may, as the Lord Jesus did, surrender “to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). This was also the attitude David took toward Saul. He did not want to be his own judge, but surrendered Saul to God and waited to see what He would do with Saul. In doing so, he did not come out of that ashamed.