What does it mean to call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20)?

Response

In Isaiah 5:8–30, the prophet pronounces “woes” or judgments on Judah for their wicked behavior. Judah had produced the “bad fruit” of unrighteousness, as illustrated in the song of the vineyard (verses 4–7). Their wickedness even led them to proclaim sinful things as good, which is why Isaiah exclaims, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (verse 20). Light and darkness are opposites, which adds to the gravity of the men of Judah calling evil “good.”

A significant issue in Judah during Isaiah’s time was widespread drunkenness. People would wake up early in the morning to drink alcohol and continue long into the night “Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who continue until night, until wine inflames them!”, (Isaiah 5:11). Instead of honoring “the works of the Lord,” they reveled in their sin and drunkenness (verses 11–12). They did not perceive their sin as wickedness; instead, they labeled their evil as “good.”

A society in rebellion against God will have a distorted perspective and adopt an upside-down morality. There are numerous individuals today who still label evil as “good” and good as “evil,” as they endorse behaviors that the Bible clearly identifies as sinful. The promotion of homosexuality and the advocacy for abortion on demand are often accompanied by a derision of those who cherish life and uphold traditional marriage. Evil is being praised as “good,” while good is vilified as “evil.”

Without God, our moral compass will inevitably become confused. We will start to mix up sweetness and bitterness, light and darkness, and good and evil. We will brand biblical morality as “intolerant” and “oppressive.” We will be offended by the truth that Jesus is the only one.Way to Salvation «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6). “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” «For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. », (John 3:20).

Calling good “evil” and evil “good” is a sure sign of spiritual wickedness at work: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” «in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. », (2 Corinthians 4:4). Paul warns that the intensity of the spiritual battle will increase: “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Cutting through the confusion over right and wrong and enlightening spiritually darkened minds is the Bible: “I gain understanding from your precepts. . . . Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:104-105). In their fallen condition.In reality, humans cannot accurately determine what is right and wrong. Only God can provide definitive answers on good and evil. The Bible is “God-breathed,” the sole reliable source for offering guidance to humanity «All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: », (2 Timothy 3:16).