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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 57 - Verse 20

57:20
But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.

Meaning

In this verse, the wicked are compared to the troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. This imagery conveys the idea that the wicked are constantly in turmoil, just like the restless sea. They are unable to find peace or stability in their lives, always churning with negative emotions and immoral behavior. The image of the waters casting up mire and dirt suggests that the wicked are constantly bringing forth impurity and corruption, unable to produce anything good or beneficial. Like the sea that is never calm, the wicked are always in a state of chaos and turmoil, unable to find true rest or peace. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of living a wicked life and the destructive nature of immoral behavior.

Theological Overview

Psalm 48:20 paints a vivid picture of the state of the wicked, likening them to the troubled sea. This comparison conveys the turbulent nature of those who do not walk in righteousness. Just as the sea is in a constant state of restlessness, stirring up mire and dirt, so too are the lives of the wicked filled with chaos and turmoil. The imagery of the sea also highlights the lack of peace and stability in the lives of those who choose to reject God's ways. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of living a life contrary to God's will, emphasizing the importance of seeking harmony and peace through a life of obedience and faithfulness.

American Standard Version

But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it cannot rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.
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