12 Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. My people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path.
12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead
12 My people-- infants are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, your guides mislead you and they have swallowed up
12 "Skinny kids terrorize my people. Silly girls bully them around. My dear people! Your leaders are taking you down a blind alley. They're sending you off on a wild goose chase." A City Brought to Her Knees by Her Sorrows
12 As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths."
12 Childish leaders oppress my people, and women rule over them. OÂ my people, your leaders mislead you; they send you down the wrong road.
16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!
16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning!
16 Unlucky the land whose king is a young pup, And whose princes party all night.
16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, And your princes feast in the morning!
16 What sorrow for the land ruled by a servant, the land whose leaders feast in the morning.
(Read Ecclesiastes 10:16-20)
The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 3:12
Commentary on Isaiah 3:10-15
(Read Isaiah 3:10-15)
The rule was certain; however there might be national prosperity or trouble, it would be well with the righteous and ill with the wicked. Blessed be God, there is abundant encouragement to the righteous to trust in him, and for sinners to repent and return to him. It was time for the Lord to show his might. He will call men to a strict account for all the wealth and power intrusted to and abused by them. If it is sinful to disregard the necessities of the poor, how odious and wicked a part do they act, who bring men into poverty, and then oppress them!