Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

In the middle of an incisive condemnation of false prophets, Jeremiah plants two similes about God’s Word—a consuming flame and a strongly wielded tool. A scriptural authority explains that it is human pride that is destroyed: “The unhumbled heart of man is like a rock; if not melted by the word of God as a fire, it will be broken to pieces by it as a hammer.” And continuing his contrast with false prophecy, he comments: “The word of God is no smooth, lulling, deceitful message. And by its faithfulness it may certainly be distinguished from false doctrines.”

Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.