“Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.”
Hosea 14:9
God doesn’t think like we do, and His ways are not our ways. So we don’t always understand why God moves in a certain direction or allows things to happen the way they do. But although we may not comprehend His rationale, the wise and prudent understand that His ways are always right, and those who trust the Lord choose to walk in the way of righteousness.
Psalm 107:43 says, “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.”
And to understand the loving kindness of the Lord is to experience immense gratitude, which will fill your heart with God’s love, joy, and peace.
What things will the wise understand and the prudent know?
- Iniquity causes us to fall. (vs. 1)
- When we fall, we need to confess and repent. (vs. 2)
- Put away all idols; only God extends mercy. (vs. 3)
- God is willing to forgive, restore backsliders to fellowship, and love them freely. (vs. 4)
- God’s love will be expressed through a multitude of blessings. (vs. 5-7)
- God’s child promises never again to look to idols; he now sees and hears the Lord through all His blessings. (vs. 8)
Although Hosea 14:1-9 was written to Israel, the principles apply to us today.
“Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them?…” It’s wise to turn from sin.
“…for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them:…” Those declared righteous shall serve only the Lord God.
“…but the transgressors shall fall therein.” But those who refuse to obey God will fall in the ways of God.
Matthew 21:42-44 says, “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”
As the chief corner stone, Jesus is our strength, but the transgressors who fall therein shall be broken.