Isaiah 32:6

For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the LORD, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

For the vile person {H5036} will speak {H1696} villany {H5039}, and his heart {H3820} will work {H6213} iniquity {H205}, to practise {H6213} hypocrisy {H2612}, and to utter {H1696} error {H8442} against the LORD {H3068}, to make empty {H7324} the soul {H5315} of the hungry {H7457}, and he will cause the drink {H4945} of the thirsty {H6771} to fail {H2637}.

for the mean person will speak meanness, his heart planning evil, so that he can act godlessly, spreading error concerning ADONAI, as he lets the hungry go on starving and deprives the thirsty of drink.

For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.

For the fool will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise profaneness, and to utter error against Jehovah, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

Isaiah 32:6 offers a stark and sobering portrait of the "vile person" (KJV), detailing their character, actions, and devastating impact on society and their relationship with God. This verse serves as a powerful contrast within a chapter that also speaks of a future reign of righteousness and justice under a king.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic section in Isaiah (chapters 28-33) that addresses the moral decay and spiritual blindness within Judah, while also looking forward to a time of restoration and divine blessing. Chapter 32 begins with a hopeful vision of a righteous king and princes ruling justly, providing shelter and refreshment. Verse 6 then pivots to describe the antithesis of this ideal: the character of the unrighteous, who actively perpetrate evil and cause suffering. This vivid description highlights the urgent need for the divine intervention and righteous leadership promised in the preceding verses.

Key Themes

  • Moral Corruption and Deception: The verse vividly portrays a person whose wickedness is pervasive, affecting their speech ("speak villany"), their inner thoughts ("heart will work iniquity"), and their outward behavior ("practise hypocrisy"). Their very being is aligned with evil, leading to deliberate deception.
  • Opposition to God: The "vile person" not only engages in wicked deeds but also "utter[s] error against the LORD." This signifies a direct defiance and rejection of divine truth and authority, spreading falsehoods that undermine faith and righteousness.
  • Social Injustice and Oppression: A crucial consequence of this vile character is their active harm to the vulnerable. They "make empty the soul of the hungry" and "cause the drink of the thirsty to fail," illustrating a callous disregard for basic human needs and a willingness to exploit or deprive the needy. This resonates with biblical calls for justice and care for the vulnerable.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "vile person" is nabal (נָבָל). This term is much stronger than merely "vile"; it often implies a morally senseless, godless, and foolish individual who acts against God and humanity without understanding or conscience. It's the root of "villany" (nevalah - נְבָלָה), which refers to the despicable acts committed by such a person. Their conduct is akin to the "fool" described in Psalms who says there is no God, leading to corrupt deeds.

Practical Application

Isaiah 32:6 serves as a powerful warning and a call to self-examination. It challenges us to consider:

  • Integrity of Heart and Speech: Do our words and inner intentions align with righteousness, or do we harbor hypocrisy and deceit? The verse stresses that true wickedness originates in the heart.
  • Truthfulness and Reverence for God: Are we careful to speak truth and honor God in our words, or do we spread "error against the LORD" through false teachings, cynicism, or blasphemy?
  • Compassion and Justice: How do we treat the vulnerable and needy? The "vile person" actively deprives them. Believers are called to actively seek justice and provide for those in need, reflecting God's own character. This verse reminds us that true faith is demonstrated not just in words, but in actions that uplift, not exploit, others.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 15:19

    For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

  • Matthew 23:13

    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

  • Acts 8:21

    Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

  • Acts 8:22

    Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

  • 1 Samuel 24:13

    As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

  • Proverbs 11:24

    ¶ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and [there is] that withholdeth more than is meet, but [it tendeth] to poverty.

  • Proverbs 11:26

    ¶ He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing [shall be] upon the head of him that selleth [it].

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