John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 32:7

"And the instruments of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the meek with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right." — Isaiah 32:7 (ASV)

The instruments of the covetous man are evil. We must always adhere to the future tense; for he does not inquire what wicked men are, but declares that they will be revealed under the reign of Christ, so that they may no longer deceive or impose upon anyone. He speaks of the heavenly light that would arise, as we have already said, to expose hidden wickedness. Christ therefore shows what covetous men are, and how destructive are the means they employ.

If it is thought better that כלי (kĕlē) should be translated as “measures,” I have no objection. However, the word “instrument” is more appropriate and extensive, as it includes “instruments” of every description. It therefore means every kind of means, tricks, and cunning devices by which “covetous men” put simple people off their guard and draw them into their nets.

To deceive the simple by lying words. He now assigns the reason: it is because they do not cease to contrive some injury. It is certain that this describes the practices of bad men, who think of nothing but their own convenience and gain, and are always bent on cheating and “deceiving.” Christ brings to light these persons, and their tricks and contrivances.

To speak against the poor in judgment. Various circumstances are brought forward to present the shamefulness of this wickedness in a more striking light.

1. “To deceive the simple,” who cannot take care of themselves, is more shameful and flagrant than to deceive swindlers and veterans in crime.
2. It is shameful to use deceitful flatteries under the pretense of friendship.
3. To deceive “the poor,” whose poverty we should instead have relieved.
4. To lay snares in the very court of justice.

This is more highly criminal than if a person were attacked by open violence; for the court of justice ought to be a refuge for the poor. What will become of them if it is a den of robbers or thieves? If the roads are beset by robbers and snares are laid, there may be some way of avoiding them; but there is no possibility of guarding against the frauds committed in courts of justice. These circumstances, therefore, should be carefully noted.