Isaiah 57:19

ISAIAH 57:19

Isaiah 57:19 proclaims, “I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.” The poetic phrase “fruit of the lips” connotes genuine praise, confession, and expression of gratitude arising from the heart. The “far off” (gentiles) and “near” (Israel) both receive God’s shalom, signaling the universal scope of God’s salvific work. The verse ties healing to reconciliation—God’s peace transitions from inner restoration to external relationships. The promise of healing echoes the broader prophetic message that true reconciliation with God also reconciles people with one another. This is a message of inclusive mercy: both insiders and outsiders are invited into God’s restorative embrace.

Key themes include shalom as holistic well-being, the universality of God’s promises, and the restorative power of forgiveness and worship. The verse affirms that God’s healing comes through reverent relationship with Him, expressed in speech that honors Him. It also reflects the messianic hope that Jesus would bring peace to both Jews and Gentiles, fulfilled in the New Testament by Christ and the gospel. The idea that God creates the “fruit of the lips” ties worship to righteousness and social harmony.

Practically, this invites us to cultivate speech that builds peace—honest confession, blessing others, and avoiding harmful talk. Language can be a conduit of healing or harm. In families or workplaces, practice reconciliation: speak kindly, confess shortcomings, and pursue restorative conversations. For churches, emphasize worship that translates into peacemaking and acts of mercy to those far from God as well as near. The verse challenges us to consider how our words either heal or hinder relationships.

Cross-References: Ephesians 2:14-18; Psalm 4:8; Isaiah 52:7; Romans 5:1; James 3:18