Isaiah 40:20
“He who is too impoverished for such an offering chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeks a skillful workman to set up a carved image for him that will not be moved.”
What does Isaiah 40:20 mean?
This passage is part of Isaiah's critique of idol-making, where the prophet describes how people at every economic level—rich and poor alike—invest enormous effort in creating gods from wood and stone. Even someone without money for precious materials will find a sturdy tree and pay a craftsman to carve it into something they hope will be permanent and worthy of worship. The point isn't really about craftsmanship; it's about misdirected devotion. Isaiah is saying that whether someone is wealthy or struggling, they're still pouring their faith and resources into something ultimately powerless and temporary. It's a gentle but pointed question: what are we trusting in, and is it actually trustworthy? For people today facing their own hard seasons, this can prompt reflection on where we're looking for stability and help when life feels uncertain.