Charles Ellicott Commentary Jeremiah 18:12

"But they say, It is in vain; for we will walk after our own devices, and we will do every one after the stubbornness of his evil heart." — Jeremiah 18:12 (ASV)

And they said. —Better, But they say, as of continued action. This was the ever-recurring answer (see Note on Jeremiah 2:25) that they gave to the prophet’s pleas. It was the answer of defiance rather than of despair. “There is no hope; you need not hope that we will do as you instruct us. We will go on our way and follow our own devices.”

Imagination. —Better, as elsewhere, stubbornness.