Definition: For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 47:10 together. It’s a really powerful and thought-provoking statement about someone who is being misled or manipulated by others. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes someone who has been relying on their own deceitfulness and self-assuredness, even to the point of believing they are alone and superior. It’s essentially saying they’re being tricked or led astray. Let’s unpack it word by word: “For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness:” This means someone has been relying on their own bad behavior, negativity, or evil thoughts. "Wickedly" suggests something harmful and malicious. It's about a person who is driven by negative emotions or actions. “Thou hast said, None seeth me.” This is the key part. They’ve declared that they are alone – that no one sees them. This highlights a feeling of isolation and self-importance. “Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee:” This means their cleverness and understanding (wisdom and knowledge) have been twisted or used to deceive others. It’s not just about being smart; it's that they're using that intelligence to harm others. “And thou hast said in thine heart, I [am], and none else beside me.” This is the most crucial part. They've declared their own identity as supreme – “I am” – and that only they are capable of understanding or seeing them. They’re asserting a sense of uniqueness and importance that isn’t based on truth. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of someone who is being manipulated by their own negative thoughts and actions. They've become convinced of their own superiority and isolation, leading them to deceive others and potentially causing harm. It suggests a loss of trust, self-awareness, and perhaps even a dangerous level of pride. It’s often interpreted as a warning against: Selfishness: The person is focused on themselves and their own perceived importance. Deception: They are actively misleading others with their words or actions. Lack of Humility: The verse highlights a need to recognize that we all have flaws and that true understanding comes from humility. In short, the verse warns against pride and self-deception, suggesting that someone might be vulnerable to manipulation if they aren’t grounded in truthfulness and humility. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you some examples of situations where this verse could apply? Discuss the theological significance of this passage (if that's something you’re interested in)?