How can you say, 'We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,' when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’This phrase challenges the self-perception of wisdom among the people of Judah, particularly the religious leaders and scribes. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments ( Proverbs 9:10). The people claimed to possess wisdom because they had the Law, or Torah, which was central to Jewish life and worship. However, their actions and attitudes contradicted this claim. Historically, the Law was given to Israel as a covenant, a guide for living in a way that was pleasing to God ( Deuteronomy 4:5-8). The irony here is that despite having the Law, the people were not living according to its precepts, thus nullifying their claim to wisdom. when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception?
This part of the verse highlights the corruption and unfaithfulness of the scribes, who were responsible for copying and interpreting the Scriptures. The "lying pen" suggests that they were distorting the truth, either through intentional misinterpretation or by altering the text to suit their purposes. This deception led the people away from true understanding and obedience to God's Law. In the broader biblical narrative, scribes were expected to be guardians of the Law (Ezra 7:6, 10), but here they are accused of leading the people astray. This critique foreshadows the New Testament, where Jesus frequently rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism (Matthew 23:13-36). The phrase also serves as a warning against false teachings and the importance of adhering to the true Word of God, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. He is known for his lamentations over the spiritual state of the nation. 2. ScribesReligious leaders and scholars responsible for copying and interpreting the Scriptures. In this context, they are accused of distorting God's law. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its unfaithfulness to God. 4. The Law of the LORDRefers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which were central to Jewish religious life and practice. 5. DeceptionThe false sense of security and wisdom that the people of Judah had, believing they were following God's law when they were actually being misled. Teaching Points The Danger of False SecurityBelieving we are wise because we possess the Scriptures is not enough; we must ensure we are rightly understanding and applying them. The Responsibility of TeachersThose who teach and interpret God's word have a grave responsibility to do so accurately, as their teachings can lead others astray. The Importance of DiscernmentBelievers must be discerning, testing teachings against the truth of Scripture to avoid being deceived by false interpretations. The Role of Scripture in Our LivesScripture should be our guide, not just in knowledge but in practice, shaping our lives and decisions. Repentance and Return to True WisdomWhen confronted with the truth of our errors, we must repent and seek God's wisdom, which is found in His unaltered word. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we ensure that our understanding of Scripture is not influenced by "the lying pen of the scribes" in today's context? 2. In what ways can we discern whether a teaching or interpretation of Scripture is true or deceptive? 3. How does the warning in Jeremiah 8:8 challenge us to examine our own lives and beliefs? 4. What steps can we take to hold our spiritual leaders accountable to the truth of God's word? 5. How can we cultivate a deeper love and respect for the Scriptures in our daily lives, ensuring they guide our actions and decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 4:6Highlights the wisdom and understanding that comes from following God's laws, contrasting with the false wisdom claimed by the people in Jeremiah's time. Matthew 15:9Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for teaching human commandments as doctrines, similar to the scribes' distortion of God's law in Jeremiah. 2 Timothy 3:16-17Emphasizes the importance of Scripture for teaching and correction, underscoring the danger of distorting God's word. People Dan, JeremiahPlaces Dan, Gilead, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Actually, Behold, Certainly, Falsehood, Falsely, Handled, Law, Lie, Lying, Pen, Scribes, Surely, Vain, Wise, Worked, WroughtDictionary of Bible Themes Jeremiah 8:8 5439 pen
8767 hypocrisy Jeremiah 8:7-12 6183 ignorance, of God Jeremiah 8:8-9 6231 rejection of God
8366 wisdom, source of Library December 8. "Is There no Balm in Gilead; is There no Physician There?" (Jer. viii. 22).
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there?" (Jer. viii. 22). Divine healing is just divine life. It is the headship of Christ over the body. It is the life of Christ in the frame. It is the union of our members with the very body of Christ and the inflowing life of Christ in our living members. It is as real as His risen and glorified body. It is as reasonable as the fact that He was raised from the dead and is a living man with a true body and a rational soul to-day, at God's right …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth What have I Done?
The text is "What have I done?" I shall just introduce that by a few words of affectionate persuasion, urging all now present to ask that question: secondly, I shall give them a few words of assistance in trying to answer it; and when I have so done, I shall finish by a few sentences of solemn admonition to those who have had to answer the question against themselves. I. First, then, a few words of EARNEST PERSUASION, requesting every one now present, and more especially every unconverted person, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858 Who Shall Deliver?
"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"--JER. viii. 22. "Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto Thee; for Thou art the Lord our God."-JER. iii. 22. "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed."-JER. xii. 14. "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession "For they that are after the Flesh do Mind,"
Rom. viii. s 5, 6.--"For they that are after the flesh do mind," &c. "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." There are many differences among men in this world, that, as to outward appearance, are great and wide, and indeed they are so eagerly pursued, and seriously minded by men, as if they were great and momentous. You see what a strife and contention there is among men, how to be extracted out of the dregs of the multitude, and set a little higher …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Letter ii (A. D. 1126) to the Monk Adam
To the Monk Adam [3] 1. If you remain yet in that spirit of charity which I either knew or believed to be with you formerly, you would certainly feel the condemnation with which charity must regard the scandal which you have given to the weak. For charity would not offend charity, nor scorn when it feels itself offended. For it cannot deny itself, nor be divided against itself. Its function is rather to draw together things divided; and it is far from dividing those that are joined. Now, if that …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
by John Bunyan, Licensed and entered according to order. London: Printed for, and sold by, R. Tookey, at his Printing House in St. Christopher's Court, in Threadneedle Street, behind the Royal Exchange, 1701. Advertisement by the Editor. Some degree of mystery hangs over these Divine Emblems for children, and many years' diligent researches have not enabled me completely to solve it. That they were written by Bunyan, there cannot be the slightest doubt. 'Manner and matter, too, are all his own.'[1] …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"
Matth. xi. 16.--"But whereunto shall I liken this generation?" When our Lord Jesus, who had the tongue of the learned, and spoke as never man spake, did now and then find a difficulty to express the matter herein contained. "What shall we do?" The matter indeed is of great importance, a soul matter, and therefore of great moment, a mystery, and therefore not easily expressed. No doubt he knows how to paint out this to the life, that we might rather behold it with our eyes, than hear it with our …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Jeremiah 8:8 NIVJeremiah 8:8 NLTJeremiah 8:8 ESVJeremiah 8:8 NASBJeremiah 8:8 KJV
Jeremiah 8:8 Commentaries
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