Isaiah intensifies his message by a series of wo-statements, each of which creates a contrasting pair. After pronouncing a wo upon those who call evil good, darkness light, and sweet bitter, Isaiah defines them as those who are “wise in their own eyes.” These are they who might be wise in the ways of the world, but who have become blind to the ways of the Lord.
The reversals in verse 22 contrast the assumptions of those who are mighty. Rather than be mighty in tasks or events of worth, they are mighty only in drinking.
Verse 23 reprises and expands on verse 21’s wo to those who are wise in their own eyes. They are those who reward wickedness and deny righteousness.
Therefore, says verse 24, the “fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff.” This is a recognizable image from farming. At the end of the season, the fields are burned, and the burning will eventually reestablish nutrients in the soil. Thus, the Lord is declaring that the children of Israel have reached their sad harvest, and that the Lord will burn them with Assyria, for the ultimate purpose of creating a stronger Israel.