Hosea 14:9

2 Take with you words, and turn to the L ORD : say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. 3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy. A kind invitation given to sinners to repent,

quarantine:scripture (2026-07-29) — scripture-overlap:86%@v2-3

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them?....

That which was ordained to life becomes through their abuse of it, death to them. God's providences, being not duly improved by them, harden them in sin and contribute to their ruin. God's discovery of himself both in the judgments of his mouth and in the judgments of his hand is to us according as we are affected under it.

Who is wise and he shall understand these things? - The prophet says this, not of the words in which he had spoken, but of the substance. He does not mean that his style was obscure, or that he had delivered the message of God in a way difficult to be understood. This would have been to fail of his object. Nor does he mean that human acuteness is the key to the things of God. He means that those only of a certain character, those “wise,” through God, unto God, will understand the things of God.

There is enough of saving truth clear in God's Word to guide those humbly seeking salvation, and enough of difficulties to confound those who curiously seek them out, rather than practically seek salvation. fall--stumble and are offended at difficulties opposed to their prejudices and lusts, or above their self-wise understanding (compare Pr 10:29;

quarantine:debris (2026-07-29) — unbalanced-parens

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? - What things? Those which relate to the backslidings, iniquity, and punishment of Israel; and to the mercy and kindness of God in their promised restoration. The things which belong to the work of sin in the heart; the things which belong to the work of grace in the soul; and particularly the things mentioned in this wonderful chapter. Prudent, and he shall know them? - He who endeavors to understand them, who lays his heart to them, such a person shall understand them. For the ways of the Lord are right - This is the conclusion which the prophet makes from the whole. All God’s conduct, both in the dispensation of justice and mercy, is right: all as it should be, all as it must be; because he is too wise to err, too good to be unkind. The just shall walk, in them - This is a truth which he will always acknowledge; and illustrate it by a righteous and godly life. But the transgressors shall fall therein - Howsoever good they might have been before, if they do not consider the necessity of depending upon God; of receiving all their light, life, power, and love from him; ever evidencing that faith which worketh by love; maintaining an obedient conduct, and having respect to all God’s precepts; they shall fall, even in the “way of righteousness.” When still using the Divine ordinances, and associating with God’s people, they shall perish from the way; and be like Ephraim, who once “spoke trembling,” and “was exalted in Israel,” who was “God’s beloved son,” and “called out of Egypt;” yet, by “offending in Baal,” giving way to “the idols of his heart,” fell from God, fell into the hands of his enemies, and became a wretched thrall in a heathen land. “Whoso is wise, let him understand these things! Whoso is prudent, let him know them!” - He who is well instructed will make a proper application of what he has here read; will […]