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.
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.
Change: Regress or Progress
By A.W. Tozer3Moral DeclineTrue ProgressPRO 14:12ISA 5:20MAT 7:13A.W. Tozer challenges the notion of societal advancement, arguing that despite technological progress, moral and ethical standards have regressed. He questions the validity of claiming advancement when societal issues such as violence, drug abuse, and overcrowded prisons persist. Tozer emphasizes that mere movement does not equate to progress, and warns against the complacency of believing that modernity equates to improvement. He calls for a deeper reflection on true progress, which should be measured by spiritual and moral growth rather than superficial advancements. Ultimately, Tozer urges listeners to recognize the dangers of equating modernity with righteousness.
The Danger of Heart-Hardening
By A.W. Tozer1Heart HardeningGenerosityPRO 28:27ISA 5:20MAT 6:21LUK 12:152CO 9:7GAL 6:7EPH 4:30HEB 3:13JAS 1:221JN 2:15A.W. Tozer warns against the danger of hardening one's heart against God's Word, emphasizing that such a state arises from selfishness and a love for darkness. He illustrates how covetousness leads individuals to ignore the needs of others, ultimately freezing their capacity for generosity and disrupting the natural order. Tozer argues that neglecting the truth and refusing to act on the impulses of righteousness can stifle spiritual life and grieve the Holy Spirit. He urges believers to embrace truth and respond to the call of righteousness for the sake of their souls.
Letter of Resignation From the Church of England
By J.C. Philpot1ISA 5:20MIC 3:112CO 6:172CO 12:12REV 18:4J.C. Philpot's letter of resignation from the Church of England in 1835 reveals his deep conviction and struggle with the corruption and worldly practices within the Church. He explains how he could no longer, with a clear conscience, continue as a Minister or Member due to the Church's departure from the true Gospel Church as revealed in the New Testament. Philpot highlights the inconsistencies between his beliefs and the Church's practices, emphasizing the need to separate from a system that he viewed as contrary to God's Word. His secession was a gradual and deliberate decision, driven by his conviction of the Church's departure from true Christianity.
The Faithful Friend
By D.L. Moody1Conviction 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.
The Inquisition
By Ian Paisley0PSA 94:20PRO 6:16ISA 5:20MAT 10:26JHN 8:32ROM 12:212CO 4:6EPH 5:111PE 5:8REV 12:10Ian Paisley delivers a sermon reflecting on the horrors of the Inquisition, describing it as a system born out of prodigious iniquity and cruelty, incompatible with freedom and human dignity. He highlights the extensive confiscation of property, shedding of blood, and the fear it instilled in society. Paisley emphasizes the continued existence and operation of the Inquisition, connecting it to the Popedom and its medieval glory, expressing disbelief at its association with the Apostle Peter. The sermon delves into the history, crimes, and operations of the Inquisition, shedding light on its dark and revolting nature.
Homily 6
By Clement of Rome0PRO 14:15ISA 5:201CO 10:112CO 11:13EPH 5:6COL 2:81TI 4:12PE 2:11JN 4:1Clement meets Appion in Tyre, where Appion begins to discuss the false accusations he made against the gods, claiming they were allegorical and not to be taken literally. Appion proceeds to interpret various myths, explaining the origin of chaos, Kronos and Rhea, Phanes, and other mythological figures as symbolic representations of natural elements and processes. Clement, having heard similar allegorical interpretations before, summarizes Appion's explanations and questions the wisdom of those who created such stories, suggesting they were wicked magicians rather than gods. Peter arrives from Cæsarea, and the people of Tyre gather to welcome him, while Appion withdraws with his companions.
What Might America Look Like in 2020?
By Shane Idleman0JDG 2:102CH 7:14PRO 14:34ISA 5:20GAL 6:7Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon warning about the potential consequences of America straying from God's principles, using fictitious but alarming headlines to illustrate the dangers of rejecting Judeo-Christian values. He highlights the erosion of moral foundations, the rise of corruption within the nation, and the suppression of Christianity through policies like mandatory euthanasia, lowering the age of sexual consent, redefining marriage, and zero tolerance for Christians. Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for repentance, prayer, and a return to God to prevent the further decline of the nation.
Who Will Determine America's Future?
By Robert P. Jr Dugan02CH 7:14PRO 14:12ISA 5:20EPH 6:12REV 3:8Robert P. Jr Dugan preaches about the cultural crisis and the ongoing culture war in America, emphasizing the importance of evangelical Christians taking a stand to determine the nation's future. The sermon highlights the clash between cultural conservatism and cultural radicalism on various fronts such as radical feminism, abortion rights, government funding of the arts, and homosexual rights. It calls for evangelicals to engage in political life, uphold biblical values, and work towards spiritual and political renewal to counter the forces of decadence and ruin threatening the nation.
- 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.