Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 8 - Verse 9
Meaning
The verse "The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?" can be found in the Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament of the Bible. In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is expressing his dismay at the wise men of the time who have turned away from God's word. The wise men, who should have been knowledgeable and discerning, are instead foolish in their rejection of the guidance and wisdom that the Lord provides. By rejecting God's word, these so-called wise men have lost true wisdom and are left feeling ashamed and confused. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, and the consequences of turning away from His teachings.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is expressing his dismay at the reaction of the wise men of his time to the word of the Lord. The wise men, who were expected to have discernment and understanding, are instead portrayed as ashamed and dismayed. Jeremiah challenges their supposed wisdom by pointing out that they have rejected the word of the Lord. This rejection of divine guidance calls into question the foundation of their wisdom and knowledge. By highlighting their rejection of God's word, Jeremiah raises the issue of what true wisdom entails. By disobeying the word of the Lord, the wise men are shown to lack true wisdom and insight. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder that true wisdom comes from acknowledging and following the word of the Lord.