◄ Isaiah 32:6 ►
For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.
Study Bible
For a fool speaks foolishness;

In biblical terms, a "fool" is not merely someone lacking intelligence but one who is morally deficient and rejects God's wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The fool's speech is characterized by folly, which in the Hebrew context often implies a rejection of God's order and wisdom. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).

Pro 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge…
Pro 12:23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself,…
Pro 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding,…

his mind plots iniquity.

The fool's heart, or inner being, is set on devising evil. This reflects the biblical understanding that sin originates in the heart (Jeremiah 17:9). The plotting of iniquity suggests intentional and premeditated sin, contrasting with the righteous who meditate on God's law (Psalm 1:2).

Mic 2:1 Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds…
Pro 6:14 With deceit in his heart he devises evil;…
Psa 36:4 Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself…

He practices ungodliness

Ungodliness here refers to actions that are contrary to God's nature and commands. This behavior is not just a passive state but an active practice, indicating a lifestyle of rebellion against God. The New Testament echoes this in Romans 1:18, where ungodliness is linked to the suppression of truth.

Jud 1:15 to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict the ungodly…
1Jn 3:4 Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well…
Tit 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their actions…

and speaks falsely about the LORD;

False speech about God can include blasphemy, heresy, or misleading others about His nature and will. This is a serious offense in the biblical context, as it misrepresents the truth of God and can lead others astray (Exodus 20:7). The prophets often condemned false prophets who spoke lies in God's name (Jeremiah 23:16).

Jer 23:25 I have heard the sayings of the prophets…
Deu 18:20 But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name…
Ezk 13:9 My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions.…

he leaves the hungry empty

This phrase highlights the social injustice perpetuated by the fool. In biblical times, caring for the poor and needy was a significant aspect of righteous living (Isaiah 58:7). The fool's neglect of the hungry contrasts with God's command to provide for the less fortunate (Deuteronomy 15:11).

Mat 25:42 For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat…
Pro 22:9 A generous man will be blessed, for he shares his bread…
Pro 21:13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor,…

and deprives the thirsty of drink.

Similar to leaving the hungry empty, depriving the thirsty of drink underscores a lack of compassion and justice. Water is a basic necessity, and in the arid climate of the ancient Near East, denying it to someone was a grave injustice. This act of deprivation is contrary to the biblical call to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) and reflects a heart hardened against God's commands.

Job 22:7 You gave no water to the weary and withheld food…
Pro 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,…
Mat 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the future of Israel. He is the author of the Book of Isaiah.

2. Fool
In this context, the "fool" represents those who reject wisdom and righteousness, often characterized by their ungodly actions and speech.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the central figure in the prophecies and teachings of Isaiah.

4. The Hungry and Thirsty
Symbolic of those in need, both physically and spiritually, whom the fool neglects and exploits.

5. Judah and Jerusalem
The primary audience of Isaiah's prophecies, representing the people of God who are being warned and instructed.
Teaching Points
The Nature of Foolishness
Foolishness is not merely a lack of intelligence but a moral and spiritual deficiency that leads to ungodliness and deceit.

The Power of Speech
Our words have the power to build up or destroy. Speaking falsely about the LORD is a grave sin that reflects a heart far from God.

Responsibility to the Needy
True faith is demonstrated through actions, including caring for the physical and spiritual needs of others.

Guarding Against Iniquity
We must be vigilant in our thoughts and actions, ensuring they align with God's righteousness rather than plotting iniquity.

Reflecting God's Character
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God's character by speaking truth and acting justly, especially towards the vulnerable.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Isaiah 32:6 define foolishness, and how can we guard against it in our own lives?

2. In what ways does our speech reflect our relationship with God, and how can we ensure it aligns with His truth?

3. How does the treatment of the hungry and thirsty in Isaiah 32:6 relate to Jesus' teachings in Matthew 25:31-46?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are not plotting iniquity in our hearts and minds?

5. How can we actively reflect God's character in our daily interactions, especially towards those in need?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 10:18-21
This passage contrasts the speech of the righteous with that of the wicked, similar to Isaiah's description of the fool's speech.

Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus speaks about the importance of caring for the hungry and thirsty, highlighting the consequences of neglecting those in need.

James 3:5-12
Discusses the power of the tongue and the importance of using speech wisely, aligning with Isaiah's warning about speaking falsely.
Sermons
The Correction of Social ConfusionsR. Tuck Isaiah 32:6
A Flourishing KingdomIsaiah 32:1-8
A New EraF. Delitzsch.Isaiah 32:1-8
An Ideal of Political GoodE. Johnson Isaiah 32:1-8
Asayria and JudahProf. S. R. Driver, D. D.Isaiah 32:1-8
Isaiah's UtopiaW. B. Dalby.Isaiah 32:1-8
Reformed SocietyE. A. Lawrence.Isaiah 32:1-8
A Mark of Good Government, EtcW. Clarkson Isaiah 32:5-8
The Outer Life According to the InnerIsaiah 32:6-7
People
Isaiah
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Busy, Cause, Causeth, Craving, Deprive, Desiring, Drink, Empty, Error, Evil, Fail, Falsely, Folly, Fool, Foolish, Heart, Hungry, Hypocrisy, Inclines, Iniquity, Lack, Leave, Leaves, Mind, Nonsense, Plots, Practice, Practices, Practise, Profaneness, Profanity, Soul, Speak, Speaketh, Speaks, Spreads, Talking, Thirsty, Thoughts, Unclean, Ungodliness, Unsatisfied, Utter, Vile, Villainy, Villany, Wickedness, Withhold, Withholds, Working, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 32:6

     5038   mind, the human
     5885   indifference
     6021   sin, nature of
     8310   morality, and creation
     8710   atheism
     8760   fools, characteristics

Isaiah 32:6-7

     8846   ungodliness

Library
The Hiding-Place
'And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.'--ISAIAH xxxii. 2. We may well say, Of whom speaketh the prophet this? Here are distinctly attributed to one of ourselves, if we take the words in their simplicity and fulness, functions and powers which universal experience has taught us not to look for in humanity. And there have been a great many attempts--as it seems to me, altogether …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Sowing Beside all Waters.
"Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters."--ISAIAH xxxii. 20. These words form part of a great prophetic vision. The prophet is standing among his countrymen like a watchman on the walls of Jerusalem. And far away, as he looks, the distant horizon of his stormy sky is bright with Messianic hopes, but around him the shadows lie dark and heavy. It was his destiny to speak to a people whose ears were dull of hearing and their hearts without understanding; but he never lost the conviction that the …
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Sureness
The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.' (Isaiah xxxii. 17.) One reason why I glory in teaching Full Salvation is that it includes a religion of certainty. It brings a man to a place of sureness as to his religious relationships. A soul just awakened to a sense of responsibility is naturally full of wonderment and anxiety, and this must be disposed of. So that when we speak of a man obtaining Salvation, we say 'he found peace'. …
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

Peace on Earth through Righteousness
And the work of righteousness shall be peace: and the effect of righteousness quietness and confidence forever. --ISAIAH 32:17. After we have found peace in our own souls through faith in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ our Saviour, if our faith is honest, we must feel the desire and the duty of helping to make peace prevail on earth. But here we are, in a world of confusion and conflict. Darkness and ignorance strive against light. Evil hates and assaults good. Wrong takes up arms against right. …
Henry Van Dyke—What Peace Means

The Cloven Rock
C. P. C. Is. xxxii. 2 In the great and terrible wilderness I wandered in thirst and dread; The burning sands were beneath my feet, And the firece glow overhead. The fiery serpents and scorpions dire Dwelt in that lonely land, And around and afar, as a glimmering sea, The shadowless, trackless sand. Then came a day in my journey drear When I sank on the weary road, And there fell a shadow across the waste-- The shade of the wings of God. The shadow solemn, and dark, and still, Lay cool on the purple …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Under his Shadow.
A BRIEF SACRAMENTAL DISCOURSE DELIVERED AT MENTONE TO ABOUT A SCORE BRETHREN."He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."--Psalm xci. 1. UNDER HIS SHADOW. I MUST confess of my short discourse, as the man did of the axe which fell into the stream, that it is borrowed. The outline of it is taken from one who will never complain of me, for to the great loss of the Church she has left these lower choirs to sing above. Miss Havergal, last and loveliest …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Second Continental Journey.
1827-28. PART I.--GERMANY. After John and Martha Yeardley had visited their friends at home, their minds were directed to the work which they had left uncompleted on the continent of Europe; and, on their return from the Yearly Meeting, they opened this prospect of service before the assembled church to which they belonged. (Diary) 6 mo. 18.--Were at the Monthly Meeting at Highflatts, where we laid our concern before our friends to revisit some parts of Germany and Switzerland, and to visit …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

The First Ministry of the Baptist.
(LUKE III.) "Hark, what a sound, and too divine for hearing, Stirs on the earth and trembles in the air! Is it the thunder of the Lord's appearing? Is it the music of his people's prayer? "Surely He cometh, and a thousand voices Shout to the saints, and to the deaf and dumb; Surely He cometh, and the earth rejoices, Glad in his coming who hath sworn, I come." F. W. H. MYERS. The Preaching of Repentance--His Power as a Preacher--His Message--Warning of Impending Judgment--The Wages of Sin Thirty …
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

Have Read the Letter which You in Your Wisdom have Written Me. You Inveigh against Me
I have read the letter which you in your wisdom have written me. You inveigh against me, and, though you once praised me and called me true partner and brother, you now write books to summon me to reply to the charges with which you terrify me. I see that in you are fulfilled the words of Solomon: "In the mouth of the foolish is the rod of contumely," and "A fool receives not the words of prudence, unless you say what is passing in his heart;" and the words of Isaiah: "The fool will speak folly, …
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.

St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
[Sidenote: 1140, October] 42. (23). Malachy embarked in a ship, and after a prosperous voyage landed at his monastery of Bangor,[576] so that his first sons might receive the first benefit.[577] In what state of mind do you suppose they were when they received their father--and such a father--in good health from so long a journey? No wonder if their whole heart gave itself over to joy at his return, when swift rumour soon brought incredible gladness even to the tribes[578] outside round about them. …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
"The Holy Spirit was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified."--John vii. 39. We have come to the most difficult part in the discussion of the work of the Holy Spirit, viz., the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the tenth day after the ascension. In the treatment of this subject it is not our aim to create a new interest in the celebration of Pentecost. We consider this almost impossible. Man's nature is too unspiritual for this. But we shall reverently endeavor to give a clearer insight …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He excuses the brevity of his letter on the ground that Lent is a time of silence; and also that on account of his profession and his ignorance he does not dare to assume the function of teaching. 1. You will, perhaps, be angry, or, to speak more gently, will wonder that in place of a longer letter which you had hoped for from me you receive this brief note. But remember what says the wise man, that there is a time for all things under the heaven; both a time to speak and a time to keep …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

His Future Work
The Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work on earth the Father gave Him to do, who is now bodily present in the highest heaven, occupying the Father's throne and exercising His priesthood in behalf of His people, is also King. To Him belongeth a Kingdom and a kingly Glory. He has therefore a kingly work to do. While His past work was foretold by the Spirit of God and His priestly work foreshadowed in the Old Testament, His work as King and His glorious Kingdom to come are likewise the subjects …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

Question of the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Contemplative Life wholly confined to the Intellect, or does the Will enter into it? S. Thomas, On the Beatific Vision, I., xii. 7 ad 3m II. Do the Moral Virtues pertain to the Contemplative Life? S. Augustine, Of the City of God, xix. 19 III. Does the Contemplative Life comprise many Acts? S. Augustine, Of the Perfection of Human Righteousness, viii. 18 " Ep., cxxx. ad probam IV. Does the Contemplative Life consist solely in the Contemplation of God, or in the Consideration …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Get Our Case and Condition Cleared up to Us.
The believer is oft complaining of darkness concerning his case and condition, so as he cannot tell what to say of himself, or what judgment to pass on himself, and he knoweth not how to win to a distinct and clear discovery of his state and condition. Now, it is truth alone, and the Truth, that can satisfy them as to this. The question then is, how they shall make use of, and apply themselves to this truth, to the end they may get the truth of their condition discovered to them. But first let us …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Gospel of the Kingdom.
"This is He whom Seers in old time Chanted of with one accord; Whom the voices of the Prophets Promised in their faithful word." We have seen that, in the providence of God, John the Baptist was sent to proclaim to the world that "The Kingdom of Heaven" was at hand, and to point out the King. And as soon as the Herald had raised the expectation of men by the proclamation of the coming Kingdom, our Lord began His public ministry, the great object of which was the founding of His Kingdom for the salvation …
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of Heartlessness and Fainting through Discouragements.
There is another evil and distemper which believers are subject to, and that is a case of fainting through manifold discouragements, which make them so heartless that they can do nothing; yea, and to sit up, as if they were dead. The question then is, how such a soul shall make use of Christ as in the end it may be freed from that fit of fainting, and win over those discouragements: for satisfaction to which we shall, 1. Name some of those discouragements which occasion this. 2. Show what Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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