No longer will a fool be called nobleThis phrase indicates a future time of justice and righteousness, contrasting with the present state where foolishness is often mistaken for wisdom. In biblical terms, a "fool" is someone who rejects God's wisdom and lives in moral and spiritual folly (
Proverbs 1:7). The context of
Isaiah 32 is a prophecy about a coming reign of righteousness, often interpreted as the Messianic age. This aligns with the hope for a time when true wisdom, as embodied by Christ, will be recognized and honored. The term "noble" suggests a person of high moral character and integrity, qualities that are often misattributed in a fallen world. This prophecy anticipates a reversal of such misjudgments.
nor a scoundrel be respected
A "scoundrel" in biblical language refers to someone who is deceitful and morally corrupt. The respect given to such individuals in Isaiah's time reflects a society that has strayed from God's standards. This phrase suggests a future where moral clarity prevails, and those who are deceitful will no longer be held in high regard. This can be seen as a call to discernment, urging believers to align their values with God's truth. The cultural context of Isaiah's prophecy includes a society where leaders often failed to uphold justice, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic books. This future vision aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of inner righteousness over outward appearances (Matthew 23:27-28).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings in Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel during Isaiah's time. The people of Judah were often the direct audience of Isaiah's prophecies.
3.
FoolIn the Hebrew context, the term "fool" (nabal) refers to someone who is morally deficient, lacking wisdom and understanding of God's ways.
4.
ScoundrelThe Hebrew word used here (kilay) implies a deceitful or wicked person, often engaging in dishonest or corrupt behavior.
5.
NobleThe term "noble" (nadiv) in Hebrew refers to someone who is generous, honorable, and of high moral character.
Teaching Points
Discernment in LeadershipAs believers, we must exercise discernment in whom we honor and follow. True nobility is marked by godly character, not just outward appearances or eloquence.
Moral IntegrityThe passage challenges us to evaluate our own lives. Are we living with integrity, or are we merely putting on a facade of nobility?
Cultural ValuesIn a world that often celebrates charisma over character,
Isaiah 32:5 reminds us to align our values with God's standards, not societal trends.
Judgment and RedemptionIsaiah's prophecy points to a time of righteous judgment where true character will be revealed. This foreshadows the ultimate judgment and redemption through Christ.
Role of the ChurchThe church should be a place where true nobility is recognized and cultivated, encouraging believers to grow in wisdom and godliness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 32:5?
2.How does Isaiah 32:5 challenge our understanding of true nobility and integrity?
3.In what ways can we discern between the "fool" and the "noble"?
4.How does Isaiah 32:5 connect with Proverbs' teachings on wisdom and folly?
5.How can we apply the principles of Isaiah 32:5 in our daily interactions?
6.What actions can we take to embody the "noble" described in Isaiah 32:5?
7.How does Isaiah 32:5 challenge our understanding of wisdom and foolishness in society today?
8.What historical context influenced the message of Isaiah 32:5?
9.How does Isaiah 32:5 reflect the themes of justice and righteousness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 32?
11.What does 'Eat, Drink, and Be Merry' mean?
12.What are the key teachings and events in Luke?
13.Isaiah 57:5: Is there credible archaeological evidence that child sacrifice was widespread among Israelites, or is this an exaggerated polemic?
14.What is the Bible's stance on political correctness?What Does Isaiah 32:5 Mean
No longer• The phrase signals a decisive shift initiated by God—an end to a distorted social order.
• Similar prophetic turning points appear inIsaiah 2:17, where “the pride of men will be humbled,” and inRevelation 21:4, when former things pass away.
• It reminds us that history is not cyclical chaos; the Lord sets a day when wrong labels and unjust honors are overturned.
will a fool• Scripture consistently describes the fool as one who resists God’s wisdom (Psalm 14:1;Proverbs 1:7).
• Here, the “fool” is not merely naïve but morally stubborn, rejecting the fear of the LORD that is “the beginning of knowledge.”
• Isaiah is declaring that such rebellion will no longer be tolerated or hidden behind flattering titles.
be called noble• Society often confers dignity on those lacking true virtue;Isaiah 5:20 warns against calling evil good.
• In God’s reordered kingdom, titles will match character. Compare withMatthew 23:12, where Jesus says, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled.”
• Authentic nobility flows from righteousness, not status or clever self-promotion.
nor a scoundrel• The “scoundrel” speaks of active harm—one who schemes for personal gain (seeProverbs 6:12-15).
• Isaiah targets leaders who abuse power, echoing earlier rebukes of corrupt officials inIsaiah 1:23.
• God’s justice exposes hidden agendas and condemns exploitation.
be respected• Respect must be grounded in truth and godliness (Romans 13:3-4).
• When Christ reigns, public honor aligns with divine appraisal;1 Corinthians 4:5 promises that the Lord “will disclose the motives of hearts.”
• The verse forecasts a community where esteem is reserved for those who genuinely serve, reflecting Jesus’ model inMark 10:43-45.
summaryIsaiah 32:5 foretells a time when God rectifies social deceit: fools lose the mask of nobility, scoundrels forfeit unearned respect, and titles finally mirror character. The verse assures believers that the Lord is moving history toward a kingdom where truth governs honor and righteousness defines leadership.
(5)
The vile personshall be no more called liberal.--Better,
noble,the
??????????? of the Greeks, the
ingenuusof the Latin. So for "bountiful," read
gentle.Here, again, we have a picture, the exact contrast of that which met us at the beginning of Isaiah's work, when men "called good evil, and evil good" (chap 5:20).
Verse 5. -
The vile person shall be no more called liberal; rather,
the foolish person - as
nabal is commonly translated (
Deuteronomy 32:6;
2 Samuel 3:33;
2 Samuel 13:13;
Psalm 14:1;
Psalm 39:8;
Psalm 74:22, etc.) - such a man as the "Nabal" of
1 Samuel 25. Men are apt to confound moral distinctions, and to call the "fools" who waste their substance in feasting and revelry "generous" or "liberal," and the misers (
churls) who hoard their riches "warm men," "wealthy men," "men well to do in the world" (see
Isaiah 5:20; and comp. Arist.,' Eth. Nic.,' 2:8, § 3; Thucyd., 3:82). This perversion of truth shall not obtain in Messiah's kingdom.
Bountiful; rather,
wealthy (comp.
Job 34:19, where the same word is translated "rich").
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Noלֹֽא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nolonger {will}ע֛וֹד(‘ō·wḏ)Adverb
Strong's 5750:Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, morea foolלְנָבָ֖ל(lə·nā·ḇāl)Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5036:Foolish, senselessbe calledיִקָּרֵ֥א(yiq·qā·rê)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readnoble,נָדִ֑יב(nā·ḏîḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5081:Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandeenorלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noa scoundrelוּלְכִילַ֕י(ū·lə·ḵî·lay)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3596:Stubbornsaidיֵֽאָמֵ֖ר(yê·’ā·mêr)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayto be important.שֽׁוֹעַ׃(šō·w·a‘)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7771:A noble, liberal, opulent, a halloo
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 32:5 The fool will no longer be called (Isa Isi Is) 
