In Isaiah 5, the prophet pronounces six woes in rapid succession. He condemns ignoring the poor, ignoring God, clinging to sin, weakening conscience, pride, and drunkenness paired with bribery.
In chapters 28 through 33, he offers another set of woes, this time with more elaboration. Here is a summary of this second set of six woes:
- Woe to the drunkards of Ephraim (Isaiah 28:1, 3). God explains that He can only teach knowledge to people who are willing and able to learn.
- Woe to Ariel (Jerusalem) (Isaiah 29:1). Her speech shall be brought low, but God will do a marvelous work among her people.
- Woe to those who seek to hide their counsel from God (Isaiah 29:15). God will empower the meek and the poor, and those who had erred will come to understanding.
- Woe to the rebellious children (Isaiah 30:1). They seek help from Pharaoh but try to silence the seers and prophets.
- Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help (Isaiah 31:1). Remember that “the Egyptians are men, and not God.”
- Woe to those who deal treacherously, spoiling when they were not spoiled (Isaiah 33:1). God will be Israel’s judge, lawgiver, and king.
There are two principles underlying these six woes. The first three are about learning: God wants to teach us, and He will bring all knowledge to light, even what we try to hide. The last three are about whom to trust: Powerful nations will not save you; God will be your king.
After quoting Isaiah 29, which contains two of these woes, Nephi offers some woes of his own. The underlying principles are the same: “Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!” (2 Nephi 28:29). “Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm” (2 Nephi 28:31; compare Jeremiah 17:5).
While Nephi’s woes don’t line up exactly with either of Isaiah’s sets of woes, it’s clear that Nephi has internalized the foundational principles that undergird those lists. We need to open our minds to learn from God, and we need to trust Him instead of worldly power.
Today I will strive to learn from the woes of Isaiah and Nephi. I will open my mind to receive inspiration from God. I will put my trust in Him instead of in worldly power.