Isaiah 7:16

For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

The chapter containing this verse is to be read together with the preceding chapter in connection with rebukes for backsliding and refusal to repent and the invitation to hear the Lord and live under His everlasting covenant. The verse calls for refusing evil and choosing good by turning to God, repenting, and giving the whole soul to Him rather than continuing in disobedience. That choice must be made without delay, for disobedience lost the Eden home at the beginning and continued disobedience forfeits the right to Eden restored.

Refusing the evil and choosing the good depends on the regulation of the thoughts. Keeping the thoughts stayed upon God enriches and glorifies the mind and produces right choosing and leads others to follow that example, while unholy thoughts degrade and debase the mind and lead to impure actions. Because this life determines future eternal destiny, the Word of God must be obeyed.

Choosing the good and refusing the evil is the aim of those of settled and substantial mind who set their standard high. It is carried out by decided effort in faith through grace freely given to all who really seek it, by holding fast to correct principles whatever the practice or example of those around them, and by employing all powers of brain, bone, and muscle, every physical power and mental faculty, in the service of the Lord. The call to refuse evil and choose good is a lesson children should be taught, so they may separate evil from their lives and develop pure, spotless characters.

For the church, refusing evil and choosing good means repenting and turning to God in humility. When this is done the church will be healed, restored to purity and simplicity, freed from earthly entanglements, and made fit to be God's representative people.

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