Jeremiah 18:12
And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.
**Jeremiah 18:12**
Verse 12 records the people’s despairing response: “There is no hope… We will walk after our own devices, and… imaginations of our evil heart.” It captures the stubborn resistance and fatalism of Judah’s leadership and populace. The cultural moment shows a people clinging to self-reliance and cynicism in the face of prophetic warning.
The verse underscores the depth of entrenched sin and the difficulty of turning away from destructive patterns. It also sets up the contrast between divine intention and human rebellion, highlighting the seriousness of God’s call to repentance.
For readers today, be wary of growing cynicism or “hope lies elsewhere” attitudes that block repentance. A practical approach is to identify the “devices” of personal or communal harm—greed, pride, exploitation—and actively seek healthier paths, invite accountability, and reorient toward God’s ways.
Cross-References: Jeremiah 3:22; Psalm 146:3; Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 3:12-13