The Work of Righteousness Shall Be Peace

Isaiah 32

There is much to make note of in this chapter. This is another chapter of prophecy looking forward to the time preceding and at the Second Coming of our Lord.

Christ is declared here as a King that shall reign in righteousness, with others serving around him as princes. This is a preview of the government of Christ. Christ is then describe as a man who provides:

  • a hiding place from the wind
  • a covert from the tempest
  • rivers of water in dry places
  • the shadow of a great rock in a weary land

A few verses of business counsel are then provided with the purpose of distinguishing between righteous and wicked practices. Miserly and vile persons are identified and separate from the liberal and generous. These words are not unlike the warning voice of modern prophets.

Noteworthy is that the vile is no longer regarded as being liberal, and churl (miser) is no longer being reputed as bountiful or generous.

Verse 8 then states the true intent of a liberal heart: “But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.”

I am thinking of a very specific project right now to bless the life of a family, that would take my financial position to bless the lives of another family, where they would not be able to do so themselves.


There are several verses here that address the daughters of Israel being at ease. These spaces that create a sense of false confidence, they all eventually become the dwelling places for animals: a desolate space.


This state of desolation will then continue “until the spirit be poured upon us from on high.” (vs. 15) Then Isaiah offers these clarifying statements of fact in verse 17:

  • The work of righteousness shall be peace
  • the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance for ever.

These are direct quotes from Isaiah. I cannot find in my own words a simpler, more clear way of stating this. Peace is the work of righteousness. This is an excellent indicator as the effectiveness of our efforts in any labor I am pursuing. If the net result is peace, then this is righteousness. If those who interact with me and my efforts feel quietness and assurance, then have my righteous efforts been effective.

The following verse is therefore a promise: “And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;” (Vs. 18) These promised fruits are indicators of our alignment to God. It is not a statement of entitlement, rather a measure of our own efforts to be in harmony with God.

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