Verses 1-6
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Because of sin and pride, any beauty we did have will fade like a fading flower. But when we turn to Christ, He restores beauty, and He gives us good judgment and strength.
Verses 7-13
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The Israelites, in this time, even their leaders, were given over to sin and drunkenness, and this ruined them. They became illiterate and so immature it was like they became children learning to read.
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Sin will corrupt your understanding and judgment. Continue to repent from sin and your ability to learn will grow.
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God even created the language of tongues, which shows prominently in Acts 2, as a sign to the unbelieving Israelites. But even then, the majority of the nation did not listen, and still rebelled (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16).
Verses 14-20
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Most of those who are in sin believe that they will escape hell, or that hell doesn't exist at all. In this false belief they come to peace with the idea of hell. It's as if they agree with hell—they agree to accept death under the belief that death will not harm them. But in that belief they submit themselves to the very torment they thought they would escape. This passage shows the utter stupidity of staying in sin.
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Think of those who try to avoid entertaining the fear of death so that they can continue carelessly and joyfully in their sin, only to find that their lack of godly fear will become their greatest terror (verse 19).
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For the “scourge” of God's punishment will be fearful to all.
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Think of those who commit suicide because they believe that death will be their deliverance from the sin and suffering in the world. They took refuge in a lie, only to find that death only sealed their torment.
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And there are many other lies that people try to take refuge in—the lie that we are good enough without faith in Christ, the lie that our sin isn't that bad, etc.
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All these lies are like a bed that isn't big enough (verse 20)—seeking comfort, warmth, and safety but unable to attain it.
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By staying in any sin you are making an agreement with death—you are agreeing to accept the consequences of your sin (Galatians 6:7-8). Do not do this! Always repent and correct your ways.
Verses 21-22
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God's judgment will surely come upon the whole earth, so do not mock at His Word, or the punishment will be greater!
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It's valuable for us, as believers, to never make light of God's Word. Be serious about what the Word says to be serious about, or we will answer for it.
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Verses 23-29
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Just as a skilled farmer knows what tools to use for each task involved in producing crops, God is excellent in His counsel and guidance, to do for the earth what is needed for good things to come in the end.
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All this talk of judgment can be disconcerting for some, but simply trust that God knows what He's doing!
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Also notice Isaiah says that a workers skill comes from the instruction of God (verse 26). It is to God that we owe the credit for our own skills and abilities. Praise God for your skills. Do not boast in yourself.