What does Isaiah 19:14 mean?

Despite their fear of invasion, Israel is being warned not to rely on alliances with nations such as Egypt (Isaiah 19:1). The best and brightest of Egypt's wise men are the "princes" who advise the Pharaoh (Isaiah 19:11–13). Though brilliant by worldly standards, these men may as well be fools who deliver inane counsel.

Now the prophecy reveals why these otherwise intelligent men are so clueless. It is part of the Lord's judgment against Egypt. He has stirred into Egypt a spirit of confusion. God has prevented the wise ones of Egypt from thinking straight. Isaiah compares the effect of the Lord's judgment to what happens when a person becomes drunk. The wise men have nothing of value to add. Egypt will be so confused that they will be like an inebriated man tripping over his own vomit.

Not surprisingly, Isaiah's prophecy was delivered during the declining years of the once great nation of Egypt. The nation fell into division and was conquered and ruled by other nations. This was the work of God, as He had promised. Romans 1 describes foolishness as fate of every society that refuses to recognize the Lord God of Israel: "For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:21–22).