Isaiah 5:21
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
American King James Version (AKJV)
Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
American Standard Version (ASV)
Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Cursed are those who seem wise to themselves, and who take pride in their knowledge!
Webster's Revision
Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
World English Bible
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
English Revised Version (ERV)
Woe unto them that are wise their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Definitions for Isaiah 5:21
Barnes's Isaiah 5:21 Bible Commentary
Wo unto them that are wise ... - This is the fifth crime specified. It refers to those who are inflated with a false opinion of their own knowledge, and who are, therefore, self-confident and vain. This is expressly forbidden; Proverbs 3:7 : 'Be not wise in thine own eyes;' compare Proverbs 26:12.
In their own eyes - In their own opinion, or estimation.
And prudent - Knowing; self-conceited. This was, doubtless, one characteristic of the times of Isaiah. It is known to have been strikingly the characteristic of the Jews - particularly the Pharisees - in the time of our Saviour. The evil of this was,
(1) That it evinced and fostered "pride."
(2) That it rendered them unwilling to be instructed, and especially by the prophets.
As they supposed that they were already wise enough, they refused to listen to others. This is always the effect of such self-confidence: and hence, the Saviour required his disciples to be meek, and humble, and teachable as children.