12/27/05 Hosea 14:9

Hosea 14:9 (KJ21)
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 (NAS)
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.

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

Hosea 14:9 (NLT)
Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those who are discerning listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But sinners stumble and fall along the way.

There is a wisdom that comes from the world that gives you the ability to deal with things here on earth, but there is a higher wisdom, a wisdom based on the Truth. It is this wisdom that you should seek, since this will give you knowledge to live on earth according to God's will. It will make you shrewd and skillful. It will give you prudence and learning, so that you can always act ethically.

Through the Lord's wisdom, you gain understanding, discernment, and perception. You are able to consider various circumstances and situations with insight that enables you to distinguish between right and wrong. Your intimate knowledge of Adonai and His word allows you to be discriminating. You will always have the revelation that you need to solve any problem.

You have insight into the ways of the Lord Jehovah. You have light for your journey and God will show you the direction that you should go. Your manner of life, as you draw on the wisdom of God, will always reflect your Lord's will and character. You will stand straight and upright, for your path is level. What is just, fitting, proper, and correct is what you adopt. When you agree with the Most High, your way will be smooth and pleasant. You have received the Lord's esteem and approval; for the Lord had made you righteous and just, which is reflected in your conduct and character. He has saved and vindicated you and now your walk is a holy one.

However, those who rebel and transgress against the Lord and His word, those who are out of step, will stumble. They are feeble and weak. Their walk is not straight and smooth, but they stagger and totter along their way. They often bring injury and ruin to themselves, for they have chosen to live their lives apart from God. They are easily overthrown, but you easily prevail against your enemies.