Isaiah 5:20
Verse
Context
Woes to the Wicked
19to those who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it! Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come so that we may know it!” 20Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The fourth woe: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who give out darkness for light, and light for darkness; who give out bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter." The previous woe had reference to those who made the facts of sacred history the butt of their naturalistic doubt and ridicule, especially so far as they were the subject of prophecy. This fourth woe relates to those who adopted a code of morals that completely overturned the first principles of ethics, and was utterly opposed to the law of God; for evil, darkness, and bitter, with their respective antitheses, represent moral principles that are essentially related (Mat 6:23; Jam 3:11), Evil, as hostile to God, is dark in its nature, and therefore loves darkness, and is exposed to the punitive power of darkness. And although it may be sweet to the material taste, it is nevertheless bitter, inasmuch as it produces abhorrence and disgust in the godlike nature of man, and, after a brief period of self-deception, is turned into the bitter woe of fatal results. Darkness and light, bitter and sweet, therefore, are not tautological metaphors for evil and good; but epithets applied to evil and good according to their essential principles, and their necessary and internal effects.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Fourth Woe--against those who confound the distinctions of right and wrong (compare Rom 1:28), "reprobate," Greek, "undiscriminating: the moral perception darkened." bitter . . . sweet--sin is bitter (Jer 2:19; Jer 4:18; Act 8:23; Heb 12:15); though it seem sweet for a time (Pro 9:17-18). Religion is sweet (Psa 119:103).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil,.... That call evil actions good, and good actions evil; that excuse the one, and reproach the other; or that call evil men good, and good men evil; to which the Targum agrees. Some understand this of false prophets rejecting the true worship of God, and recommending false worship; others of wicked judges, pronouncing the causes of bad men good, and of good men evil; others of sensualists, that speak in praise of drunkenness, gluttony, and all carnal pleasures, and fleshly lusts, and treat with contempt fear, worship, and service of God. It may very well be applied to the Scribes and Pharisees in Christ's time, who preferred the evil traditions of their elders, both to the law of God, that is holy, just, and good, and to the Gospel, the good word of God, preached by John the Baptist, Christ and his apostles, and to the ordinances of the Gospel dispensation: that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter; for calling good evil, and evil good, is all one as putting these things one for another; there being as great a difference between good and evil, as between light and darkness, sweet and bitter; and it suggests, as if the perversion of these things was not merely through ignorance and mistake, but purposely and wilfully against light and knowledge; so the Jews acted when they preferred the darkness of their rites and ceremonies, and human traditions, before the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ; which showed they loved darkness rather than light, Joh 3:19 and chose that which would be bitter to them in the end, than the sweet doctrines of the grace of God; the bitter root of error, rather than the words of Christ's mouth, which are sweeter than the honey, or the honeycomb. The Targum is, "woe to them that say to the wicked who prosper in this world, ye are good; and say to the meek, ye are wicked: when light cometh to the righteous, shall it not be dark with the wicked? and sweet shall be the words of the law to them that do them; but bitterness (some read "rebellion") shall come to the wicked; and they shall know, that in the end sin is bitter to them that commit it.'' Abarbinel interprets this of the ten tribes preferring the worship at Dan and Bethel, before that at Jerusalem.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 What sorrow: The fourth threat of judgment was against a lack of integrity. • evil is good . . . dark is light . . . bitter is sweet: This twisted way of looking at life corrupts God’s holy order.
Isaiah 5:20
Woes to the Wicked
19to those who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work so that we may see it! Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come so that we may know it!” 20Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Burning Coal in His Hand
By David Wilkerson10K1:01:24VisionISA 5:20REV 1:12In this sermon, the preacher shares personal experiences and encounters with God that have deeply impacted his life. He talks about a meeting with another minister named Bob, who showed him a chapter in the Bible that brought him to tears. The preacher also mentions a story of a fellow preacher who went on a media fast and experienced a powerful encounter with God afterwards. The sermon emphasizes the importance of letting go of idols and seeking God wholeheartedly, as well as the need for pastors and evangelists to receive a breakthrough from God in their ministries. The preacher concludes by proclaiming that God is looking for hot coals to use for His purposes.
False Prophets
By Chuck Smith4.0K39:00ISA 5:20JER 23:16MAT 7:15JHN 14:62PE 2:1This sermon focuses on the dangers of false prophets and the importance of discerning the truth of God's Word. It highlights the consequences of following deceptive teachings, using examples from the book of Jeremiah where true and false prophets gave conflicting messages. The speaker emphasizes the need to rely on the genuine Word of God to avoid being misled by false prophets who distort the truth for personal gain or misguided beliefs.
(Exodus) Exodus 24:1-8
By J. Vernon McGee3.3K07:14ExpositionalEXO 24:1EXO 24:7ISA 5:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of sin and moral confusion in the world today. He references Isaiah's prophecy about a time when sin would be called good and bad would be called good, suggesting that this prophecy has come true in our current society. The preacher then moves on to discuss the importance of sacrifice and the shedding of blood for the remission of sins. He emphasizes that without the sacrifice of Jesus and the shedding of his blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins. The sermon concludes with a discussion of social legislation in the book of Exodus, highlighting that there is more to the law than just the Ten Commandments.
Street Meetings of God
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K09:06ISA 5:20MAT 7:13JHN 3:16ROM 5:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the lost with the gospel, highlighting the need for repentance and the consequences of rejecting God's salvation. It calls for a return to passionate, uncompromising preaching that convicts hearts and leads to true transformation through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
(In the Word) 02 - Spiritual Warfare and the Covenant
By Milton Green2.7K1:22:47ISA 5:20MAT 13:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God. He encourages the listeners to let go of old traditions and teachings that may conflict with the truth found in Scripture. The speaker warns against being deceived and urges the audience to rely on Jesus to lead them into all truth. He also mentions the need to be serious about understanding and applying the Word of God, while also having a joyful and fun experience in the process.
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 5
By Alan Cairns2.6K09:42PSA 9:17PRO 14:34ISA 5:20MAT 16:26ROM 6:23This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell and the warning it presents to individuals and nations. It discusses the downfall of once-great superpowers who neglected their spiritual responsibilities, leading to their ultimate destruction. The message highlights the importance of a nation's relationship with God and the consequences of turning away from Him, using historical examples to illustrate the dangers of forsaking God for worldly pursuits.
A Christian Manifesto - Part 1
By Francis Schaeffer2.2K14:34PSA 33:12PRO 14:12ISA 5:20MAT 5:13ACT 5:29ROM 12:2GAL 6:7EPH 6:122TI 4:31PE 5:8Dr. Francis Schaeffer, a missionary to American intellectuals, founded L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland to address life's philosophical questions. He emphasized the importance of historic Christianity in solving modern dilemmas, highlighting the shift from a Christian to a humanistic worldview as the root cause of societal issues. Schaeffer warned about the consequences of a materialistic, humanistic worldview on morality, law, and freedom, particularly in the context of public institutions like schools and courts.
In the Word #10
By Milton Green1.8K1:56:40ISA 5:20MAT 25:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of acting upon the Word of God, distinguishing between the prudent who build their foundation on God's Word and the foolish who do not. It draws parallels to the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, highlighting the need to expose the deeds of darkness and be wise as serpents in the face of spiritual battles. The message encourages believers to stand against the powers of darkness and not rely on worldly things but on God's strength.
(Genesis #8) Safe Through Judgement
By J. Glyn Owen1.4K51:41PreservationGEN 6:3GEN 6:5ISA 5:20MAT 6:33MAT 7:24ROM 14:12REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of the world and the need for God's judgment. He emphasizes the social consequences of sin throughout history, highlighting the damage it has caused to individuals, families, and society. The preacher quotes verses from Genesis 6 to support the idea that God has determined to destroy mankind due to the violence and wickedness on earth. He warns that if the Creator declares destruction, it will surely happen. Overall, the sermon focuses on the state of the world and the impending judgment of God.
Mixture
By Milton Green1.2K04:31PRO 14:12ISA 5:20MAT 7:15JHN 10:10ROM 12:22CO 6:142TI 4:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the deceptive nature of Satan and how he manifests in the world through selfishness and worldly desires. He warns against allowing worldly intellect and academics to infiltrate religious settings without true repentance. The preacher highlights the danger of having tunnel vision and only seeing what fits within one's own traditions and doctrines, leading to deception and ultimately, hell. He also cautions against the destructive influence of mixture, where truth is mixed with falsehood, leading to a loss of conviction and a false sense of security. The sermon emphasizes the need for true repentance, holiness, and righteousness as revealed in the Bible.
Wolves Don't Advertise
By Shane Idleman1.0K1:03:48PSA 19:1ISA 5:20MAT 7:15MAT 7:20JHN 8:32ACT 4:12ROM 1:252PE 2:1This sermon emphasizes the danger of false teachers who disguise themselves as sheep but lead people astray, focusing on the importance of discerning true from false teachings. It highlights the need to be vigilant, discerning, and anchored in the truth of God's Word to avoid deception and destruction. The message calls for a deep examination of the fruits produced by teachings and urges listeners to seek the truth that leads to salvation and transformation.
Babies Are Murdered Here (Documentary Trailer)
By Jon Speed1.0K01:53EXO 20:13PSA 94:21PRO 6:16PRO 24:11ISA 5:20This sermon addresses the issue of abortion as a curse and judgment on the nation, questioning the silence and inaction of the church in the face of innocent lives being taken. It challenges the church to stand up against the shedding of innocent blood and to actively engage in pro-life efforts, even in uncomfortable and unpopular situations like protesting outside abortion clinics. The sermon emphasizes the need to expose the truth about abortion clinics and the shedding of innocent blood happening within them.
Isaiah
By J.B. Rowell86942:37PSA 17:15PSA 27:13ISA 5:20ISA 53:5ISA 53:11HEB 2:101PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the satisfaction that Jesus had in saving souls and transforming lives. He encourages the congregation to be channels of blessing and to live in a way that brings glory to God. The speaker also highlights the profound message of the death and sacrifice of Jesus, urging the listeners to truly understand and appreciate what Jesus has done for them. He challenges the audience to live with purpose and to consider the eternal purpose that Jesus pursued throughout his life.
Not Desiring the Meat of God's Word
By Scott Hynds83448:28PSA 119:105ISA 5:20MAT 7:152TI 4:1HEB 4:12JAS 3:11PE 1:25This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the Word of God and not being swayed by false teachings or pleasant messages that tickle the ears. It calls for a deep commitment to preaching the unadulterated truth of the Bible, even when faced with opposition or allurements of the world. The speaker urges for a revival of biblical preaching that challenges, rebukes, and comforts with the unchanging Word of God, highlighting the eternal nature and power of Scripture.
If My People Have 5 Minutes
By Shane Idleman64809:212CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 16:18ISA 5:20JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the critical need for humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wickedness. It calls for a bold confrontation of sin and a deep prioritization of prayer in our lives. The speaker challenges the audience to humble themselves, prioritize prayer, seek God wholeheartedly, and turn away from sinful ways, highlighting the importance of seeking God above all else.
Getting God's Certificate, Not Man's
By Zac Poonen48755:54ISA 5:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning between good and evil, highlighting how human understanding can be corrupt and lead to calling evil good and good evil. It stresses the need to grow spiritually to discern what is truly good and avoid what is evil, drawing parallels to a child's development in understanding. The speaker uses biblical examples to illustrate how Jesus demonstrated what is truly good and how believers should strive to align with God's standards of goodness.
America Needs a Slap in the Face
By Shane Idleman1703:25AwakeningConfronting Sin2CH 7:14PSA 94:16PRO 28:13ISA 5:20JER 6:15MAT 5:14ROM 12:2GAL 6:7EPH 5:141TI 4:2Shane Idleman passionately addresses the urgent need for America and the church to awaken from their slumber of unrepentant sin and moral decay. He emphasizes that many justify their sinful actions, leading to a divisive and angry society. Idleman calls for boldness in confronting evil, particularly regarding issues like abortion, and urges a return to biblical principles in governance. He likens the need for awakening to the jarring sound of an alarm clock, stressing that it is time to speak out against injustices and stand firm in faith. The sermon serves as a wake-up call to both individuals and the nation to recognize and repent from their wrongdoings.
Epistle 46
By George Fox0Walking in the LightUnity in ChristECC 2:14ISA 5:20MAT 6:22JHN 1:9JHN 3:21JHN 8:12ROM 5:121CO 12:13EPH 4:151JN 1:7George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity in the light of Christ, urging all believers to walk in this light which leads to repentance and oneness in faith. He warns against the dangers of living in darkness and following worldly assemblies that lack the true life of Christ. Fox highlights that true believers are united in one spirit and one body, and that the light reveals both righteousness and sin, guiding the faithful towards God. He calls for a rejection of pride and disobedience, reminding that the grace of God teaches us to deny ungodliness. Ultimately, Fox encourages all to embrace the light, which brings clarity and leads to eternal life.
Micah 2:7
By Chuck Smith0Moral Integrity in SocietyThe Role of the Holy SpiritISA 5:20MIC 2:7ZEC 4:6JHN 14:12ACT 1:8ROM 12:2GAL 5:22EPH 4:301TH 5:202TI 4:3Chuck Smith addresses the irony of the people of Israel, who call themselves the house of Jacob yet live far from God, drawing parallels to modern Christians who bear the name but do not embody Christ-like values. He emphasizes the danger of trying to control the Spirit of God, as the people sought to silence prophets who called for repentance and moral integrity. Smith warns against the societal trend of labeling evil as good and the church's responsibility to uphold truth rather than conform to popular opinion. He concludes by affirming that the Spirit of God is not limited and is still capable of empowering believers to effect change in a deteriorating world.
Jeremiah 52:4
By Chuck Smith0RepentanceDivine Judgment2CH 36:16PRO 14:34ISA 5:20JER 1:10JER 52:4MAT 23:37ROM 1:18ROM 3:102PE 3:9REV 20:15Chuck Smith discusses the fall of Jerusalem as recorded in Jeremiah 52, emphasizing the long ministry of Jeremiah who warned the people for forty years about the impending doom due to their persistent sin and rejection of God's law. He highlights the divine vengeance that followed their refusal to heed God's warnings, illustrating how societal decay leads to judgment. Smith also addresses the concept of divine anger, asserting that it is rooted in God's love and compassion, and that true repentance is the only way to avert disaster. The sermon serves as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's call and the importance of turning back to Him.
2 Peter 2:13
By John Gill0Consequences of SinRighteous JudgmentPRO 14:12ISA 5:20MAT 12:36ROM 2:61CO 15:33GAL 6:71PE 4:32PE 2:13JUD 1:12REV 20:12John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:13, emphasizing the consequences of unrighteousness and the just punishment that awaits those who indulge in sinful pleasures without regard for future judgment. He describes the behavior of those who revel in sin openly, likening them to Sodom, and highlights their role in defiling themselves and others through their actions. Gill warns against the dangers of self-deception and the scandalous behavior of those who partake in feasts while living in sin, urging believers to recognize the seriousness of their conduct and the impact it has on the community of faith.
Naïveté: The Tragic Beheading of Nicholas Berg
By Art Katz0Human NatureNaïvetéPSA 146:3PRO 14:12ISA 5:20JER 17:9MAT 10:16JHN 16:33ROM 3:231CO 1:25EPH 6:122TI 3:1Art Katz reflects on the tragic fate of Nicholas Berg, emphasizing how his naïveté and idealism led him into a perilous situation in Iraq. Katz critiques Berg's belief in the inherent goodness of people and the dangers of underestimating the complexities of human nature and geopolitical realities. He draws parallels between Berg's fate and broader societal misconceptions, including the misguided optimism of political leaders like President Bush regarding democracy in the Middle East. Katz warns that such idealism, detached from the truth of human sinfulness and the realities of the world, can lead to devastating consequences. He calls for a return to the understanding of God’s truth to navigate the complexities of life and conflict.
Painted and Gilded Over
By Thomas Brooks0Deception of SinSpiritual VigilancePRO 14:12ISA 5:20MAT 7:15ROM 12:22CO 2:112CO 11:14GAL 6:7EPH 5:6JAS 1:141PE 5:8Thomas Brooks warns against the deceptive nature of sin, emphasizing that Satan disguises sin with the appearance of virtue to lead us astray. He illustrates that sin remains vile and abominable, regardless of how it is presented, much like a poisonous pill gilded in gold or a wolf in sheep's clothing. Brooks urges believers to recognize the true nature of sin, which can often be hidden beneath attractive exteriors, and to remain vigilant against its allure.
The Faithful Friend
By D.L. Moody0Conviction of SinThe Role of the Holy SpiritPRO 16:18ISA 5:20MAT 7:13LUK 13:3JHN 14:6JHN 16:8ROM 3:23GAL 6:7JAS 4:61JN 1:8D.L. Moody emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of their sins to guide them towards a better life. He points out that many people resist this conviction, preferring comforting messages that ignore their faults and promote a false sense of improvement in the world. Moody critiques the prideful belief that humanity is inherently better than previous generations, highlighting the danger of ignoring God's laws. He asserts that true preaching, empowered by the Holy Spirit, confronts sin, particularly the sin of unbelief in Christ. Ultimately, Moody calls for a recognition of the Spirit's work in revealing our need for repentance and faith.
What Do You Mean?
By A.W. Tozer0The Integrity of FaithThe Meaning of WordsPRO 18:21ISA 5:20MAT 5:37JHN 8:321CO 14:33EPH 4:14COL 2:82TI 4:3JAS 1:221JN 4:1A.W. Tozer addresses the alarming trend of familiar words losing their true meanings, particularly in the context of religion and society. He points out that terms like 'freedom,' 'war,' and 'peace' have been redefined, leading to confusion and misunderstanding. This phenomenon extends to religious vocabulary, where essential words such as 'inspiration,' 'worship,' and 'conversion' have been stripped of their original significance. Tozer emphasizes the need for vigilance in understanding the true meanings of these words to maintain the integrity of the Christian faith. He calls for a return to the foundational meanings of these terms to avoid the pitfalls of modern reinterpretation.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The fourth woe: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who give out darkness for light, and light for darkness; who give out bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter." The previous woe had reference to those who made the facts of sacred history the butt of their naturalistic doubt and ridicule, especially so far as they were the subject of prophecy. This fourth woe relates to those who adopted a code of morals that completely overturned the first principles of ethics, and was utterly opposed to the law of God; for evil, darkness, and bitter, with their respective antitheses, represent moral principles that are essentially related (Mat 6:23; Jam 3:11), Evil, as hostile to God, is dark in its nature, and therefore loves darkness, and is exposed to the punitive power of darkness. And although it may be sweet to the material taste, it is nevertheless bitter, inasmuch as it produces abhorrence and disgust in the godlike nature of man, and, after a brief period of self-deception, is turned into the bitter woe of fatal results. Darkness and light, bitter and sweet, therefore, are not tautological metaphors for evil and good; but epithets applied to evil and good according to their essential principles, and their necessary and internal effects.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Fourth Woe--against those who confound the distinctions of right and wrong (compare Rom 1:28), "reprobate," Greek, "undiscriminating: the moral perception darkened." bitter . . . sweet--sin is bitter (Jer 2:19; Jer 4:18; Act 8:23; Heb 12:15); though it seem sweet for a time (Pro 9:17-18). Religion is sweet (Psa 119:103).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil,.... That call evil actions good, and good actions evil; that excuse the one, and reproach the other; or that call evil men good, and good men evil; to which the Targum agrees. Some understand this of false prophets rejecting the true worship of God, and recommending false worship; others of wicked judges, pronouncing the causes of bad men good, and of good men evil; others of sensualists, that speak in praise of drunkenness, gluttony, and all carnal pleasures, and fleshly lusts, and treat with contempt fear, worship, and service of God. It may very well be applied to the Scribes and Pharisees in Christ's time, who preferred the evil traditions of their elders, both to the law of God, that is holy, just, and good, and to the Gospel, the good word of God, preached by John the Baptist, Christ and his apostles, and to the ordinances of the Gospel dispensation: that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter; for calling good evil, and evil good, is all one as putting these things one for another; there being as great a difference between good and evil, as between light and darkness, sweet and bitter; and it suggests, as if the perversion of these things was not merely through ignorance and mistake, but purposely and wilfully against light and knowledge; so the Jews acted when they preferred the darkness of their rites and ceremonies, and human traditions, before the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ; which showed they loved darkness rather than light, Joh 3:19 and chose that which would be bitter to them in the end, than the sweet doctrines of the grace of God; the bitter root of error, rather than the words of Christ's mouth, which are sweeter than the honey, or the honeycomb. The Targum is, "woe to them that say to the wicked who prosper in this world, ye are good; and say to the meek, ye are wicked: when light cometh to the righteous, shall it not be dark with the wicked? and sweet shall be the words of the law to them that do them; but bitterness (some read "rebellion") shall come to the wicked; and they shall know, that in the end sin is bitter to them that commit it.'' Abarbinel interprets this of the ten tribes preferring the worship at Dan and Bethel, before that at Jerusalem.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 What sorrow: The fourth threat of judgment was against a lack of integrity. • evil is good . . . dark is light . . . bitter is sweet: This twisted way of looking at life corrupts God’s holy order.