Isaiah - Verse By Verse

Scripture:  Isaiah 5:23 (NIV):  "who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent."

Thought:  To me, it is always good to ask:  "What can I do for others?" instead of "how can I benefit myself?"

Question:  Have I hurt an innocent person with my choices?

Accepting a bribe to line our pockets with quick cash while at the same time hurting other innocent people is another easy path of least resistance.  (See yesterday's verse).  It takes integrity to refuse luxury and stand up for fairness to others.  Sin is the lazy, weak thing to do, and it hurts others.

Again, as in the previous verse about excessive drinking, we see selfishness at the forefront:  a person who accepts bribes would rather acquire the cash than work justice out for another person.  This is not in keeping with the nature of God. 

Notice the flip-flop in this verse:  the guilty are acquitted while the innocent are denied justice--all because these arrogant individuals think they are in control.  But they are, ultimately, not in control:  God is!  And the injustice, guilt and bribery they are involved in will come back upon their heads in kind:  whatever is sown, is reaped. 

Prayer:  Lord, cause me to remain attentive to these six "woes".  Strengthen me to resist the evil one and the temptations of my own flesh.  Draw me to Yourself, Father, and Your unselfish ways.  Amen. 

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