Read Hosea 14 Promise to Claim

Who is wise? Let them realise these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them (Hosea 14:9)

At the conclusion Hosea leaves two rhetorical questions. Their answers serve to sum up all of his prophesies.

First question," Who is wise?" Those who fear the Lord and keep His word, The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility (Proverbs 15:33). "Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the loving-kindness of the Lord" (Psalm 107:43).

The second question, Who is discerning? It is to know the difference between right and wrong. Hosea wants the people of Israel to discern the truth concerning God's justice and judgement out of His love. It is the ultimate restoration of Israel and how this should govern their attitude of faith towards Gods goodness.

God ways are right, meaning straight in righteousness, justice and goodness. There is no fault in anything that God does, His judgments upon the impenitent and His favours to the penitent are perfect regardless how its perceived. God is glorified in all of them.

The wise and discerning will dwell and walk in the ways of God. They will continue to be wiser and discerning. Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. (Deuteronomy 8:6), Walking in His ways comes through dependence upon Him, Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. (Psalm 25:4)

In contrast to the righteous, the rebellious stumble in the ways of God. They are offended The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:19) "Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone, and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. (1 Peter 2:7-9)

Prayer: Lord, quicken me as one who is able to understand and discern Your ways. They are right. Empower me to walk in it. I might be wise without stumbling myself or cause others to stumble as well.

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