Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that this verse is speaking of hypocritical individuals who put on a show of righteousness, or make an outward observance of rituals, that appears genuine to others, but does not correspond to their self-centered core beliefs, which are based on pridefully viewing themselves as morally superior to others and as acceptable to God with no consciousness of their own innate sinfulness, or of their need to repent of anything.

January 02 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Good question. The King James Bible translates Isaiah 64:6 like this:

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” 

I believe this verse is talking about the universality of sin. All are sinners. This primarily is talking about all of us before we become saved. For me it was April 26, 1964. After that, I exchanged my own inadequate righteousness for His more than adequate righteousness: “For he [God] hath made him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Another verse backs up my view, 1 Corinthians 1:30, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” 
(Someone told me once that a Christian should have at least 2 verses to back up any belief he has).

My favorite singers, the Vocal Band, sees "filthy rags" of an unbeliever:

My finest robes are filthy rags
And priceless jewels but cold
Glittering crowns, although I boast and brag,
Are nothing more than fool's gold

I give them up, I lay them down
All that I have and hold
For earthly treasures, I have found,
Are nothing more than fool's gold

Fool's gold
Fool's gold

January 03 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Leslie Coutinho

Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

All our righteousness is as filthy rags, for there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. (Ecl 7:20) Our iniquities today as a church are not only the injustices of our sinful nature but it is our pride that drives us out in the wind which takes us away and that brings filthy rags into our lives which is hatred, anger, pride, jealousy that builds up in our consciousness. For a man who sees himself to be wise in his own eyes then walks in filthiness, for there is much hope for a fool to be redeemed than for a wise man. (Pro 26:12) 

A parable spoken by our Lord Jesus tells us that, there are certain people which trust in themselves that they are righteous and despise others. For everyone that exalts himself shall be abased and he that humblest himself shall be exalted. (Lk 18:9,14) Mankind may think they are righteous, but the Lord searches the heart and tries the reins to give every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jer 17:10) 

The filthy rags in our lives that are hatred, anger, jealousy, and pride need to be confessed. Who then can stir up himself to take hold of the Lord in prayers to receive the fruit of his doings? For the Lord in a little wrath hid His face who searches the heart of man for a moment, but with everlasting loving kindness will have mercy on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer. (Isa 54:8) 

Jeremiah 17:10: I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

January 05 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report