Isaiah 1–12: Lesson 115
Isaiah 5
“Woe unto Them Who Call Evil Good, and Good Evil”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
In today’s world it can be a challenge to determine what is good and what is evil. There are many destructive ideas and practices that appear to be good. But the Lord’s warning to Israel against calling “evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20) still applies. This lesson can help you discern between good and evil.
Study the Scriptures
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles used a metaphor to explain the importance of seeing things as they really are:
A cheetah’s yellowish-tan to greyish-white coat with black spots acts as a beautiful disguise that makes these animals almost invisible as they stalk their prey in the African grasslands.
In a similar way, spiritually dangerous ideas and actions frequently can appear to be attractive, desirable, or pleasurable. Thus, in our contemporary world, each of us needs to be aware of beguiling bad that pretends to be good. (“Watchful unto Prayer Continually,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 33)
It can be hard to recognize these deceptive ideas and actions, particularly when we may be influenced by them. Satan often tries to manipulate how we view important ideas such as the doctrine of the family, the Word of Wisdom, and the law of chastity. Fortunately, the Lord sends prophets to warn His people of Satan’s cunning methods.
Isaiah repeatedly emphasized the danger of not recognizing deception. He used the word “woe” to describe the misery we will feel if we follow Satan’s lies. Scan Isaiah 5:8–23. Mark the six times the Lord used the word “woe.”
Read Isaiah 5:20. Record this truth by verse 20: If we call evil good and good evil, we will eventually experience sorrow and suffering. By recognizing Satan’s methods, you can avoid spiritually dangerous ideas and actions.
Isaiah 5:20 is a doctrinal mastery passage. Consider tagging doctrinal mastery passages with the topic they teach so you can find them easily later. Memorize the reference and key scripture phrase, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.” To help you memorize, you could unscramble the key scripture phrase: “good that them Woe evil, unto good call and evil.”
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
How can Jesus Christ help me recognize truth and avoid evil?
Read John 14:6. Ponder what you think Jesus means when He says that He is the truth.
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given tools to help you recognize deceptive ideas and actions. Read the following verses and mark the tool they mention. Tag the passages with “avoiding deception.”
Pick one idea or action that is evil pretending to be good or good being portrayed as or labeled evil. For example, you might consider some of Satan’s deceptive messages relating to the family, the Word of Wisdom, or the law of chastity. Study the For the Strength of Youth guide. Look for the teachings of Jesus Christ and His prophets that can help you choose to follow Jesus instead of Satan’s deceptive messages. Record in your notebook how the Savior’s teachings correct the false ideas.
Option B
How can I know if a source is reliable?
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
We live in a time of greatly expanded and disseminated information. But not all of this information is true. We need to be cautious as we seek truth and choose sources for that search. (“Truth and the Plan,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 25)
If available, watch “In Search of Truth” (3:03). Look for additional insights about finding truth.
Highlight the following questions and tag them as “trusted sources” or copy them into your notebook. Next time you see a questionable source, refer to your trusted sources to determine if it’s valid.
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What are the qualifications, intentions, and possible biases of the author?
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How closely connected is the author to the events being described?
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Does the author intentionally ignore available evidence in order to mislead?
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Are the teachings and events addressed in this source presented in the proper context of their time, place, and circumstance?
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Are the teachings and events supported by additional reliable sources?
Consider the following scenario:
While searching the internet about early Church history, you find a journal called “The Journey West.” Someone online claims that the journal was written by one of their ancestors who described the challenges, miracles, and spiritual moments they faced during their journey across the plains.
Record in your notebook how you could use the five questions above to help you rate the reliability of the source.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you discern between good and evil.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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Truths you found from your study of the For the Strength of Youth guide.
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Something you learned from Isaiah that can help you better discern between good and evil.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?