What is the definition of Isaiah 57:4? 🙋 🔍
Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, [and] draw out the tongue? [are] ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood,
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this passage from Isaiah 57:4. It’s a really powerful and important verse that speaks about pride and harmful behavior. Here's an explanation in simpler terms:
The Core Idea:
This verse is essentially saying that people who are boasting or being overly talkative – especially when they’re doing it with a sense of superiority or entitlement – are hurting others. It’s criticizing those who are deliberately spreading gossip and negativity.
Let's unpack the parts:
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“Against whom do you sport yourselves?”
- This is asking, "Who are you boasting about?" It’s implying that they’re focusing on themselves and their own accomplishments or opinions rather than considering others.
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“against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue?”
– This is where it gets really serious. It's comparing boasting to a "wide mouth" (a mouth that opens widely) and “drawing out the tongue” (spreading gossip and negativity). It suggests they are deliberately speaking negatively about others.
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“[Are] ye not children of transgression?”
- This is the most important part. It’s saying: “Are you 💎not💎 born with a tendency to do wrong or be deceitful?” It's suggesting that this behavior comes from a lack of respect and morality.
What does it mean in a broader sense?
Isaiah 57:4 isn’t just about someone being boastful. It's a warning against pride, arrogance, and the tendency to speak negatively about others. It highlights a flaw in character – a lack of humility and respect. The verse is essentially saying that those who constantly gossip and spread negativity are creating problems for themselves and others.
Why is this important?
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It’s about humility:
The verse underscores the importance of recognizing our own fallibility and avoiding boasting.
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It’s about kindness:
It encourages us to be kind and considerate of others, as their negativity can have a negative impact on us too.
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It's a call for repentance:
The verse implies that those who are prone to this behavior should seek to change themselves by cultivating humility and compassion.
In short, Isaiah 57:4 is a strong condemnation of boasting, gossip, and a lack of respect for others – urging us to strive for humility and kindness.
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Resources if you'd like to learn more:
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Bible Gateway:
[https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Isaiah/57/4](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Isaiah/57/4)
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Insights Bible:
[https://insightsbiblestudy.com/isaiah-57-4-the-character-of-those-who-do-not-respect-others/](https://insightsbiblestudy.com/isaiah-57-4-the-character-of-those-who-do-not-respect-others/)
Do you want me to:
💎 Explain this verse in a different way?
💎 Provide context about the historical situation in which it was written?