Isaiah 58:4 · KJV
"Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high."
King James Version
What does Isaiah 58:4 mean? →Passage Context
2Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.
3Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.
4Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.
5Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
6Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Reflection Questions
1
How do you ensure your spiritual practices are not hypocritical?
2
What does it mean to you to fast with the right heart?
3
When have you noticed conflict arising from your actions?
Life Application
faith
Approach fasting and other spiritual practices with a heart of humility and love, avoiding any motives of self-righteousness.
relationships
Work on resolving conflicts in your life before engaging in spiritual practices, ensuring your heart is right before God.
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