Unclean Lips

The phrase "unclean lips" is prominently mentioned in Isaiah 6:5, where the prophet Isaiah, upon encountering the holiness of God, exclaims, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" Here, Isaiah's acknowledgment of his "unclean lips" signifies a recognition of his moral and spiritual impurity, particularly in relation to the words he speaks and the impact of those words on his community. In the biblical context, "unclean lips" can be interpreted as a metaphor for speech that is impure, sinful, or unworthy of God's holiness. It reflects a broader theme in Scripture regarding the significance of words and their power, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, which states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."Isaiah's realization of his unclean lips also serves as a prelude to his cleansing and commissioning by God, where a seraphim touches his lips with a burning coal, declaring his guilt taken away and his sin atoned for (Isaiah 6:6-7). This transformative moment emphasizes the idea that, despite human shortcomings, God can purify and empower individuals for His purposes. The concept of "unclean lips" thus encapsulates the need for both personal repentance and divine purification, highlighting the importance of aligning one's speech and conduct with the holiness of God.