What other scriptures warn against societal chaos similar to Isaiah 3:5? Isaiah 3:5—a snapshot of social breakdown “The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the youth will rise up against the aged, the base against the honorable.” Comparable warnings found in the covenant curses • Leviticus 26:16-17 – “I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever… You will sow your seed in vain, for your enemies will eat it… those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you.” • Deuteronomy 28:28-29 – “The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind, and at noon you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. You will be oppressed and plundered all your days, with no one to rescue you.” Disorder when leadership is absent or corrupt • Judges 17:6; 21:25 – “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” • Proverbs 28:2 – “When a land is in rebellion, it has many rulers, but a man of discernment and knowledge maintains order.” Prophets painting the same picture • Micah 7:5-6 – “Do not trust a friend; put no confidence in a companion… a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” • Hosea 4:1-3 – “There is no faithfulness or love, nor knowledge of God in the land. Cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery—they break all bounds… Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it languish.” • Habakkuk 1:3-4 – “Destruction and violence are before me; strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails.” Wisdom’s diagnosis of crumbling foundations • Psalm 11:3 – “When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” • Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.” New Testament foresight of last-day chaos • Matthew 24:10-12 – “Many will fall away, betray, and hate one another… because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” • 2 Timothy 3:1-4 – “In the last days perilous times will come. People will be lovers of themselves… disobedient to parents… brutal, without love of good…” Additional apostolic cautions about societal strife • Romans 1:28-31 – “God gave them over to a depraved mind… filled with all unrighteousness… arrogant, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents.” • Galatians 5:15 – “If you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.” • James 3:16 – “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” Key takeaways to guard against chaos • Societal breakdown is repeatedly linked to rejecting God’s authority and truth. • Moral confusion invites oppression, lawlessness, and relational hostility. • God’s answer is repentance, righteous leadership, and steadfast adherence to His Word, the only sure foundation for a stable and flourishing community. |
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