Isaiah 32:8
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But the liberal devises liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.
American King James Version (AKJV)
But the liberal devises liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.
American Standard Version (ASV)
But the noble deviseth noble things; and in noble things shall he continue.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But the noble-hearted man has noble purposes, and by these he will be guided.
Webster's Revision
But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.
World English Bible
But the noble devises noble things; and he will continue in noble things.
English Revised Version (ERV)
But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and in liberal things shall he continue.
Clarke's Isaiah 32:8 Bible Commentary
Liberal things "Generous purposes" - "Of the four sorts of persons mentioned Isaiah 32:5, three are described, Isaiah 32:6, Isaiah 32:7, and Isaiah 32:8, but not the fourth." - Secker. Perhaps for והוא vehu, and he, we ought to read ושוע veshoa, the bountiful.
Barnes's Isaiah 32:8 Bible Commentary
But the liberal - This seems also to have the force of a proverbial expression. The word 'liberal' means generous, noble, large-hearted, benevolent; a man of large views and of public spirit; a man above covetousness, avarice, and self-seeking; a man who is willing to devote himself to the welfare of his country, and to the interests of his fellow-men. It is implied here that such persons would be selected to administer the affairs of the government I under the wise and virtuous prince of whom the prophet speaks.
Deviseth liberal things - He purposes those things which will tend to promote the public welfare, and not those merely which will conduce to his private ends and gratification.
And by liberal things shall he stand - Margin, 'Be established.' That is, according to the connection, he shall be confirmed, or approved in the government of the virtuous king referred to. It is, however, a proposition in a general form, and means also that a man by a liberal course shall be established; that is, his character, reputation, hopes, shall be established by it. This is true now. If a man wishes to obtain permanent peace and honor, the esteem of his fellow-men, or the evidence of divine approbation, it can be best done by large and liberal schemes to advance the happiness of a dying world. He who is avaricious and narrow-minded has no happiness, and no durable reputation; he who is large-hearted and benevolent, has the approbation of the wise and good, the favor of God, and a firm and unshaken support in the trials of life, and in the agonies of death.