Isaiah 33:15

“He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;”

Context and Background:The book of Isaiah is a prophetic book in the Old Testament and contains various prophecies concerning the nation of Israel and the coming Messiah. Isaiah 33 is a chapter that speaks of the deliverance of God’s people from their enemies and the establishment of God’s righteous rule.

Walking Righteously:The verse begins by describing a person who “walketh righteously.” This refers to a lifestyle characterised by living in accordance with God’s commands and moral principles. It implies that a righteous person not only believes in God’s righteousness but also actively practices it in their daily life.

Speaking Uprightly:The next characteristic mentioned is “speaking uprightly.” This highlights the importance of using our words to reflect godly values. It emphasises speaking truth, avoiding deceit, and promoting honesty and integrity in our communication.

Despising the Gain of Oppressions:The verse continues by stating that the righteous person “despises the gain of oppressions.” This means that they reject ill-gotten wealth and refuse to profit from unjust or oppressive practices. The righteous person prioritises justice and fairness over personal gain.

Shaking Hands from Holding Bribes:The verse further emphasises the importance of integrity by stating that the righteous person “shakes his hands from holding bribes.” Bribes compromise justice and corrupt the integrity of individuals. The righteous person resists the temptation to accept or offer bribes and maintains their integrity.

Stopping Ears from Hearing of Blood:Next, the verse mentions that the righteous person “stops his ears from hearing of blood.” This implies a refusal to listen to or participate in discussions or plans that involve violence, bloodshed, or harm to others. The righteous person seeks to promote peace and justice rather than engaging in violence or supporting it.

Shutting Eyes from Seeing Evil:Lastly, the verse states that the righteous person “shuts his eyes from seeing evil.” This means they avoid intentionally seeking or indulging in sinful or immoral activities. They strive to keep their minds and hearts focused on what is good and pleasing to God.

Overall, Isaiah 33:15 presents a portrait of a person who lives righteously and seeks to follow God’s commands. It emphasises the importance of personal integrity, honesty in speech, and a commitment to justice and righteousness. By embodying these qualities, believers can reflect God’s character and contribute to a more just and upright society.