Isaiah 5:21

KJV

Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H1945} unto them that are wise {H2450} in their own eyes {H5869}, and prudent {H995} in their own sight {H6440}!

Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to those seeing themselves as wise, esteeming themselves as clever.

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

American Standard Version

Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 5:21 pronounces a severe "woe" upon those who are self-assured in their own wisdom and understanding, highlighting a perilous spiritual condition rooted in intellectual pride and self-sufficiency. This prophetic lament condemns a mindset that trusts solely in human intellect and perception, dismissing divine counsel and leading to moral decay and spiritual blindness. It serves as a stark warning against the perils of exalting one's own understanding above God's revealed truth, a sin that ultimately invites divine judgment and spiritual catastrophe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a series of six distinct "woes" (vv. 8, 11, 18, 20, 21, 22) pronounced by the prophet Isaiah against specific societal sins prevalent in Judah. These woes follow the poignant "Song of the Vineyard" in [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"), an allegorical narrative illustrating God's diligent care for His people, Israel, and their subsequent failure to produce righteous fruit. Each "woe" targets a particular manifestation of spiritual rebellion and moral corruption, ranging from land-grabbing greed and excessive drunkenness to the perversion of justice. The placement of [Isaiah 5:21](/isaiah/5-21 "Isaiah 5:21 - Woe to the Self-Wise"), specifically condemning self-exalting wisdom, underscores its foundational role in the nation's spiritual decline. Intellectual arrogance often precedes and undergirds other forms of disobedience and injustice, making it a root sin that corrupts the very faculty of discernment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the tumultuous 8th century BCE, a period of significant political instability, social injustice, and widespread spiritual apostasy for the Southern Kingdom of Judah. While Judah experienced periods of economic prosperity, it was also under increasing pressure from formidable regional empires, particularly Assyria. In this volatile environment, there was a strong temptation for the people and their leaders to rely on human alliances, political shrewdness, and personal ingenuity rather than placing their trust in the Lord. Culturally, wisdom was highly esteemed in ancient Israel, as evidenced by the rich tradition of Wisdom Literature found in books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. However, true wisdom was always understood as originating from God and characterized by the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). The "wise in their own eyes" were those who had perverted this understanding, substituting divine wisdom with their own flawed human reasoning, leading to a society where moral distinctions were blurred and righteousness was neglected, as vividly described in the preceding woe against those who "call evil good, and good evil" ([Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good")).
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Isaiah 5:21](/isaiah/5-21 "Isaiah 5:21 - Woe to the Self-Wise") is the profound spiritual danger of **intellectual pride and self-reliance**. This verse highlights how a person's absolute trust in their own understanding, rather than in God's revealed truth, inevitably leads to spiritual arrogance and a distorted view of reality. This self-exalting wisdom is inherently a **rejection of divine authority**, as it implies that human reason is superior to or sufficient without God's guidance. Such an attitude inevitably results in **moral and spiritual blindness**, where individuals become incapable of discerning right from wrong or good from evil, as described in the preceding verse ([Isaiah 5:20](/isaiah/5-20 "Isaiah 5:20 - Woe to those who call evil good")). The pronouncement of "woe" itself signifies the **consequences of arrogance and impending judgment**, serving as a prophetic lament over the dire spiritual and practical repercussions that await those who persist in such a mindset. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, contrasting human folly with God's perfect and salvific wisdom, particularly in the New Testament (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:18-31](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians 1 - God's Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This interjection is a prolonged form akin to "oh!" or "alas!" It functions as a prophetic lament or a cry of distress, often preceding a declaration of impending judgment or sorrow. In Isaiah, "woe" is not merely an expression of pity, but a solemn pronouncement of doom and a dire warning of the catastrophic consequences that will befall those who persist in sin. It carries the weighty implication of divine displeasure and the certainty of future suffering, serving as an oracle of condemnation.
* **wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be wise," this word generally refers to intelligence, skill, or discernment. However, in this context, when paired with the phrase "in their own eyes," it takes on a decidedly negative connotation. It describes those who are cunning, artful, or intelligent, but whose wisdom is self-derived and self-validated, leading to a distorted sense of superiority. It implies a reliance on human reason that excludes, dismisses, or even actively opposes divine truth, fostering an arrogant intellectual independence.
* **prudent (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** This primitive root means "to separate mentally" or "to distinguish," and by extension, "to understand," "discern," or "have intelligence." Similar to "wise," when applied to "in their own sight," it describes those who possess an understanding or discernment that is rooted purely in their own perception and judgment. It points to an inward-looking intellectualism that trusts its own capacity for insight above any external, particularly divine, revelation, resulting in a dangerous form of self-deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes":** This initial clause powerfully introduces the prophetic lament, targeting a specific group characterized by profound intellectual arrogance. The phrase "wise in their own eyes" vividly portrays individuals who are convinced of their own superior intellect and infallible judgment. Their wisdom is not derived from God, from His revealed Word, or from the counsel of others, but is self-generated and self-affirmed. This radical self-reliance leads to a dangerous form of spiritual pride, where personal perception and reasoning become the ultimate arbiters of truth, effectively dismissing divine counsel, objective reality, or the wisdom gleaned from experience and tradition.
* **"and prudent in their own sight!":** This second clause functions as a potent parallel, reinforcing and intensifying the meaning of the first. "Prudent" (or discerning/understanding) in "their own sight" emphasizes that their capacity for insight and discernment is also entirely self-contained and self-validated. The deliberate repetition of "their own" underscores the profound self-centeredness and insularity of this spiritual condition. It is not merely a lack of wisdom, but an active, arrogant confidence in a wisdom that originates from and is confined to oneself, leading to a dangerous spiritual blindness where one cannot see beyond their own limited, subjective perspective, thus becoming impervious to truth outside themselves.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 5:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking force and clarity. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and prudent in their own sight!") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first ("Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes"). This repetition serves to emphasize the pervasive nature of self-exalting wisdom, highlighting both intellectual arrogance ("wise") and self-derived discernment ("prudent"). Additionally, the phrases "in their own eyes" and "in their own sight" utilize **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where "eyes" and "sight" represent the entirety of one's perception, understanding, and personal judgment. This emphasizes the internal, subjective, and ultimately flawed source of their wisdom. Finally, the opening word "Woe" (Hebrew: *hôwy*) is a powerful **Prophetic Woe**, a significant literary and theological device that functions as both a lament over the people's sin and a solemn declaration of impending judgment and sorrow. It sets a grave and ominous tone, signaling the dire and inevitable consequences of the described spiritual condition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 5:21 stands as a profound theological statement against the pervasive sin of pride, particularly intellectual pride and self-sufficiency. It underscores a fundamental biblical truth: genuine wisdom originates solely from God, not from human ingenuity, self-exaltation, or independent reasoning. When humanity trusts solely in its own reason and perception, it inevitably deviates from divine truth, leading to moral confusion, spiritual rebellion, and ultimately, a distorted reality. This self-sufficiency is a direct affront to God's sovereignty and His exclusive claim as the ultimate source of all knowledge and understanding. The "woe" pronounced here is a divine warning that such a mindset leads to spiritual blindness, an inability to discern good from evil, and ultimately, divine judgment. It challenges the deeply ingrained human notion that intellect, detached from divine revelation and humility, can lead to genuine flourishing or righteousness.

* [Proverbs 3:7](/proverbs/3-7 "Proverbs 3:7 - Do Not Be Wise in Your Own Eyes")
* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [Romans 12:16](/romans/12-16 "Romans 12:16 - Do Not Be Wise in Your Own Conceits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 5:21 remains profoundly relevant in a contemporary world that often exalts human reason, scientific advancement, and individual autonomy above all else. This verse serves as a crucial spiritual diagnostic, challenging us to critically examine the source, nature, and ultimate authority of our wisdom. In an age saturated with information, diverse perspectives, and a proliferation of self-help philosophies, the temptation to become "wise in our own eyes" is ever-present. This can manifest as a casual dismissal of biblical truth, an over-reliance on personal feelings and subjective experience, or an uncritical acceptance of prevailing cultural opinions. True wisdom, however, begins with profound humility—acknowledging God's infinite knowledge and our own finite, fallible understanding. It calls us to constantly test our ideas, beliefs, and life choices against the unchanging, authoritative standard of God's revealed Word, rather than trusting solely in our own limited perceptions or the fluctuating currents of popular thought. Cultivating a spirit of teachability, a posture of dependence, and a deep reverence for God's wisdom is essential for navigating life's complexities, discerning truth from error, and avoiding the spiritual pitfalls of intellectual arrogance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I most tempted to rely on my own understanding and judgment rather than diligently seeking God's wisdom through His Word and prayer?**
* **How might intellectual pride subtly manifest in my attitudes towards Scripture, spiritual counsel from mature believers, or viewpoints that challenge my preconceived notions?**
* **What practical steps can I intentionally take this week to cultivate a more humble, God-dependent, and teachable approach to knowledge and decision-making?**
* **How can I effectively discern between genuine, God-given insight and self-exalting, human-centered wisdom in my own thoughts and in the messages I encounter in the world around me?**

### FAQ
**What does "woe" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Isaiah 5:21, "woe" (Hebrew: *hôwy*) is far more than a simple expression of pity or sadness. It is a powerful prophetic declaration, functioning as both a lament over the profound sin of the people and a solemn pronouncement of impending judgment and sorrow. It signifies the dire consequences and divine displeasure that will inevitably befall those who persist in being "wise in their own eyes." It is a warning of spiritual, moral, and practical catastrophe that awaits those who choose self-sufficiency over divine truth.

**How does being "wise in their own eyes" differ from genuine wisdom?**

Answer: Genuine wisdom, as consistently taught throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), begins with the "fear of the Lord"—a humble reverence for God, His character, and His revealed Word. It acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all truth, knowledge, and understanding. In contrast, being "wise in their own eyes" describes a self-derived, self-validated wisdom that is deeply rooted in human arrogance and pride. It is a mindset that trusts solely in one's own intellect, perception, and reasoning, often to the exclusion or outright dismissal of divine revelation. This self-exalting wisdom leads to spiritual blindness, moral confusion, and a distorted view of reality, whereas true wisdom leads to life, righteousness, and a right relationship with God.

**Is all human intellect condemned by this verse?**

Answer: No, the verse does not condemn human intellect or the pursuit of knowledge in general. God, as the Creator, endowed humanity with the capacity for reason, understanding, and discernment, which are gifts to be used for His glory. What is condemned is the *attitude* and *source* of wisdom: when human intellect becomes an end in itself, self-sufficient, and elevated above God's wisdom and authority. It is the prideful reliance on one's own understanding, leading to a rejection of divine truth, moral boundaries, and God's counsel, that draws the "woe." The Bible consistently encourages the diligent use of our minds, but always in humble submission to and illuminated by God's truth (e.g., [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind") and [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 5:21, with its condemnation of those "wise in their own eyes," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who embodies the perfect antithesis of this self-exalting pride. While fallen humanity continually seeks wisdom in its own flawed reasoning and self-serving schemes, Jesus is revealed as the very **Wisdom of God** personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")) and in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). He did not come to be wise in His own eyes, but perfectly submitted His will to the Father's, declaring, "I can do nothing on my own; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks Not His Own Will")). His entire life perfectly exemplified profound **humility**, even to the point of obediently embracing death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The "woe" pronounced in Isaiah is a divine judgment against human pride and self-sufficiency, but in Christ, we find **deliverance from that judgment** through His atoning sacrifice, which reconciles us to God. Furthermore, for believers, the Holy Spirit is given to impart true, divine wisdom, enabling us to understand the deep things of God, which the "natural person does not accept" ([1 Corinthians 2:10-16](/1_corinthians/2-10-16 "1 Corinthians 2:10-16 - The Spirit's Wisdom")). Thus, instead of being wise in our own eyes, we are called to humble ourselves, confess our intellectual bankruptcy apart from Him, and receive the wisdom that comes from above, which is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" ([James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Wisdom from Above")). In Christ, we find the pathway to true wisdom and liberation from the destructive pride condemned by the prophet.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 3:18

¶ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

1 Corinthians 3:20

And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

Proverbs 3:7

¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Romans 12:16

[Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Proverbs 26:12

¶ Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? [there is] more hope of a fool than of him.

Proverbs 26:16

¶ The sluggard [is] wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

John 9:41

Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.