Jeremiah 13:23, commentary and pictures

Those accustomed to do evil cannot make themselves good or change their sinful heart, character, conduct, and way of life by their own power and personal effort, just as the Ethiopian cannot change his skin or the leopard its spots. Long-practiced evil becomes set habit fixed in the character and nature, described as dyed in the wool and deeply ingrained, and persistent resistance to conviction strengthens ungodly desires and makes the heart harder. In its setting the verse describes the result and condition of rejecting truth and turning away from God, persisting in hardened refusal of conviction and trust in falsehood, which brings darkness, scattering, and judgment. Unbelief keeps a person from doing good.

Applied to one who has more than once broken the seventh commandment in act, wickedness is dyed in the wool and fixed in nature, so that even penitent and humble confession leaves no hope of change to do good. The verse applies to a selfish, avaricious, penurious spirit and set habits that withhold what ought to be given and hold back the advancement of the cause of God; such selfishness must be overcome, and it cannot be overcome in human strength, but God will help to overcome it. Though their fixed evil is so grievous that it must be hidden away, God still sends His servants to labor for those accustomed to do evil, laying the burden on them again and again and sending them long distances.

There is hope even for the most hopeless in Christ: help comes only from God, who through Jesus Christ has power to take away the stained and spotted character. He receives, washes, and cleanses those who come to Him, and gives moral power for victory. Recognizing the helplessness of the sinful heart to cleanse or repair itself is a first step toward receiving help, leading to humility before God, surrender of one's own will and way, dependence on Jesus Christ, and reaching for help through faith. Therefore sinners must come to Christ as they are and not wait to improve, become more willing, or find better circumstances.