Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Who is wise? Let them realize 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. New Living Translation Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. English Standard Version 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 upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. Berean Standard Bible 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 walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them. Berean Literal Bible Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is understanding? Let him know them. For straight are the ways of YHWH, and the righteous walk in them, and transgressors stumble in them. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them. New American Standard Bible 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 wrongdoers will stumble in them. NASB 1995 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. NASB 1977 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. Legacy Standard Bible Whoever is wise, so let him discern these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of Yahweh are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them. Amplified Bible Whoever is [spiritually] wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is [spiritually] discerning and understanding, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble and fall in them. Berean Annotated Bible Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD {YHWH} are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them. Christian Standard Bible Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. American Standard Version Who is wise, that he may understand these things? prudent, that he may know them? for the ways of Jehovah are right, and the just shall walk in them; but transgressors shall fall therein. Contemporary English Version If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean. I am the LORD, and I lead you along the right path. If you obey me, we will walk together, but if you are wicked, you will stumble. English Revised Version 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 transgressors shall fall therein. GOD'S WORD® Translation Wise people will understand these things. A person with insight will recognize them. The LORD's ways are right. Righteous people live by them. Rebellious people stumble over them. Good News Translation May those who are wise understand what is written here, and may they take it to heart. The LORD's ways are right, and righteous people live by following them, but sinners stumble and fall because they ignore them. International Standard Version Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right: the righteous follow his example, but the rebellious stumble in them. NET Bible Who is wise? Let him discern these things! Who is discerning? Let him understand them! For the ways of the LORD are right; the godly walk in them, but in them the rebellious stumble. New Heart English Bible Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them. Webster's Bible Translation 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 in them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhoever 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 walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them. World English Bible Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWho [is] wise, and understands these? Prudent, and knows them? For upright are the ways of YHWH, "" And the righteous go on in them, "" And the transgressors stumble therein!” Berean Literal Bible Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is understanding? Let him know them. For straight are the ways of YHWH, and the righteous walk in them, and transgressors stumble in them. Young's Literal Translation Who is wise, and doth understand these? Prudent, and knoweth them? For upright are the ways of Jehovah, And the righteous go on in them, And the transgressors stumble therein! Smith's Literal Translation Who being wise, and he shall understand these things? and knowing, and he shall know them? for the ways of Jehovah are straight, and the just shall go in them: and they transgressing shall be weak in them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWho is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know these things? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall in them. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Who is wise enough to understand these things? Who is intelligent enough to know them? Straight are the paths of the LORD, the just walk in them, but sinners stumble in them. New Revised Standard Version Those who are wise understand these things; those who are discerning know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who is wise shall understand these things; he who is prudent shall know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous shall walk in them; but transgressors shall stumble therein. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Whoever is wise, let him perceive these things and consider to know them, that the ways of LORD JEHOVAH are right, and the righteous ones walk in them and the evil stumble in them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Whoso is wise, let him understand these things, Whoso is prudent, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the just do walk in them; But transgressors do stumble therein. Brenton Septuagint Translation Who is wise, and will understand these things? or prudent, and will know them? for the ways of the Lord are straight, and the righteous shall walk in them: but the ungodly shall fall therein. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Promise of God's Blessing…8O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing cypress; your fruit comes from Me. 9Whoever 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 walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them. Cross References Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Psalm 107:43 Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD. Daniel 12:10 Many will be purified, made spotless, and refined, but the wicked will continue to act wickedly. None of the wicked will understand, but the wise will understand. Deuteronomy 32:29 If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate. whoever is discerning, let him know them. Proverbs 2:5 then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. Ecclesiastes 8:1 Who is like the wise man? Who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. For the ways of the LORD are right, Psalm 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He. Psalm 18:30 As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. and the righteous walk in them Deuteronomy 5:33 You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Proverbs 2:20 So you will follow in the ways of the good, and keep to the paths of the righteous. Psalm 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. but the rebellious stumble in them. Isaiah 8:14-15 And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare. / Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.” 1 Peter 2:8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. Proverbs 4:19 But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 10:29 The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil. Treasury of Scripture 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. wise. Psalm 107:43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. Proverbs 1:5,6 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: … Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. for. Genesis 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Job 34:10-12,18,19 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity… and the. Job 17:9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. Psalm 84:5,7 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them… Proverbs 10:29 The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. but. Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; Luke 4:28,29 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, … Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. Jump to Previous Discerning Fall Good Prudent Realize Rebellious Right Righteous Sense Sinners Straight Stumble Therein Transgressors Understand Upright Walk Ways WiseJump to Next Discerning Fall Good Prudent Realize Rebellious Right Righteous Sense Sinners Straight Stumble Therein Transgressors Understand Upright Walk Ways WiseHosea 14 1. An exhortation to repentance.4. A promise of God's blessing. Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; This phrase calls for wisdom and understanding, echoing the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as Proverbs, which frequently emphasizes the importance of wisdom (Proverbs 1:5-7). In the context of Hosea, "these things" refer to the teachings and prophecies delivered throughout the book, which include calls for repentance and warnings of judgment. Wisdom here is not merely intellectual but spiritual, requiring a heart aligned with God's will. The wise are those who fear the Lord and seek His guidance (Proverbs 9:10). whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them. Persons / Places / Events 1. HoseaA prophet in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 8th century BC, Hosea's ministry focused on calling Israel to repentance and warning of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness to God. 2. Israel The Northern Kingdom, often depicted in Hosea as unfaithful to God, akin to an adulterous spouse, yet still called to return to the Lord. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, whose ways are described as right and just, calling His people to walk in righteousness. Teaching Points Wisdom and DiscernmentTrue wisdom involves understanding and applying God's ways. Seek wisdom through prayer and study of the Scriptures. The Righteous Path Walking in the ways of the Lord requires intentionality and commitment. Evaluate your daily choices to ensure they align with God's righteousness. Consequences of Rebellion Recognize that straying from God's path leads to stumbling. Reflect on areas of life where rebellion might be causing spiritual or practical difficulties. The Role of Understanding Understanding God's ways is not just intellectual but involves a heart transformation. Pursue a deeper relationship with God to gain true understanding. Call to Repentance Like Israel, we are called to return to God when we stray. Regularly practice repentance and seek God's forgiveness and guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Hosea 14:9?2. How can we discern "the ways of the LORD" in our daily lives? 3. What does Hosea 14:9 teach about the consequences of rejecting God's ways? 4. How does Hosea 14:9 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting God? 5. In what ways can we "walk in them" as the righteous do? 6. How can we avoid "stumbling" as described in Hosea 14:9? 7. What does Hosea 14:9 reveal about God's wisdom and understanding? 8. How does Hosea 14:9 challenge our perception of righteousness? 9. In what ways does Hosea 14:9 emphasize the importance of discernment? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Hosea 14? 11. When is it time to destroy or repair? 12. Is a second marriage considered adultery? 13. What is a spiritual spouse? 14. When should you search and when should you give up? What Does Hosea 14:9 Mean Whoever is wise, let him understand these things“Whoever is wise, let him understand these things” (Hosea 14:9a) is an invitation—not just to scholars, but to every believer willing to listen. Hosea has just revealed God’s call to repentance and His promise of restoration, so wisdom here means embracing God’s message with a humble heart. • Wisdom in Scripture always begins with reverence for God (Proverbs 9:10). • Jesus echoed this call: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15), urging attentive, responsive listening. • In James 1:22, we are told to be doers of the word, not hearers only, underscoring that true wisdom acts on what it learns. The prophet’s point is simple: the truly wise will pause, reflect, and align their lives with what God has just said. Whoever is discerning, let him know them The second phrase (“whoever is discerning, let him know them”) tightens the focus from a general search for wisdom to the practice of discernment—grasping God’s truth and applying it accurately. • Hebrews 5:14 describes mature believers as those “who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil,” showing that discernment grows through repeated obedience. • Psalm 25:9 promises that the humble will be taught God’s ways, linking discernment to a teachable spirit. • Paul prayed for believers to “approve what is excellent” (Philippians 1:10), emphasizing deliberate, thoughtful choice. Hosea urges his hearers: don’t just perceive God’s word—embrace it until it becomes personal conviction and practice. For the ways of the LORD are right Now the prophet underlines why wisdom and discernment matter: “For the ways of the LORD are right.” God’s paths are never arbitrary; they are always morally straight, trustworthy, and for our good. • Deuteronomy 32:4 proclaims, “All His ways are justice; a God of faithfulness without injustice.” • Psalm 19:7–8 declares that God’s law is perfect, right, and enlightening. • Jesus confirmed this when He said, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Because God’s ways are right, they form the unchanging standard against which every human path must be measured. And the righteous walk in them This clause describes the natural response of those justified and transformed by God: they choose His pathways. • Psalm 1 contrasts the blessed man who delights in God’s law with the wicked who won’t stand in judgment. • 1 John 2:6 states, “Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked,” tying righteousness to concrete lifestyle. • Ephesians 2:10 reminds us we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” that God prepared beforehand. For the righteous, obedience is not drudgery but delight, evidence that God’s Spirit is at work within. But the rebellious stumble in them Finally, Hosea exposes the stark alternative: those who refuse God’s authority trip over the very standards that would have blessed them. • Proverbs 13:15 observes, “The way of the transgressor is hard,” illustrating the inevitable pain of rebellion. • Isaiah 8:14–15 pictures the LORD as “a stone of stumbling” to those who disobey, the same idea Hosea conveys. • Jesus warned that whoever falls on the stone will be broken (Matthew 21:44), showing that rejecting God’s ways always leads to ruin. Stumbling is not an accident here; it is the consequence of willful resistance to God’s clear, righteous path. summary Hosea 14:9 is a closing appeal: • Wisdom listens; discernment embraces. • God’s ways are always correct, never shifting with culture or preference. • The righteous prove their relationship with God by walking in His ways, enjoying the safety and blessing found there. • The rebellious, refusing submission, crash against the same truth that could have rescued them. The verse stands as both a promise and a warning: choose the Lord’s right paths and live, or resist them and fall. (9) Who is wise.--Hosea hands his words over to all students of the ways of God. The exhortation to wisdom is expressed in the form of a question. "Wisdom" and "wise men" take in the later Hebrew literature the place of "prophecy" and "prophets." Wisdom interprets both the word and its fulfilment. Christ's own teaching goes beyond wisdom and prudence (Matthew 11:28; comp. 1Corinthians 1:20): it was spirit and life (John 6:63).Verse 9. - 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 far therein. This verse demands attention to all the prophet has written, whether for warning, or reproof, or correction in righteousness, or encouragement to piety and virtue, and evidently alludes to Deuteronomy 32:4. The ways of the Lord are those he prescribes for them to walk in, as also the ways he takes in guiding, guarding, and governing men. Like the dictates of the Word, so the dispensations of his providence are to some the savor of life, to others the savor of death; therefore it is added that, while the righteous walk therein, the wicked stumble in them (comp. Deuteronomy 30:19, 20).
Hebrew Whoeverמִ֤י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix is wise, חָכָם֙ (ḥā·ḵām) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2450: Wise let him understand וְיָ֣בֵֽן (wə·yā·ḇên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand these things; אֵ֔לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those [whoever] is discerning, נָב֖וֹן (nā·ḇō·wn) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand let him know them. וְיֵֽדָעֵ֑ם (wə·yê·ḏā·‘êm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 3045: To know For כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the ways דַּרְכֵ֣י (dar·ḵê) Noun - common plural construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action of the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH are right, יְשָׁרִ֞ים (yə·šā·rîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 3477: Straight, right and the righteous וְצַדִּקִים֙ (wə·ṣad·di·qîm) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6662: Just, righteous walk יֵ֣לְכוּ (yê·lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk in them, בָ֔ם (ḇām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew but the rebellious וּפֹשְׁעִ֖ים (ū·p̄ō·šə·‘îm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 6586: To break away, trespass, apostatize, quarrel stumble יִכָּ֥שְׁלוּ (yik·kā·šə·lū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3782: To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall in them. בָֽם׃ (ḇām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew Links Hosea 14:9 NIVHosea 14:9 NLT Hosea 14:9 ESV Hosea 14:9 NASB Hosea 14:9 KJV Hosea 14:9 BibleApps.com Hosea 14:9 Biblia Paralela Hosea 14:9 Chinese Bible Hosea 14:9 French Bible Hosea 14:9 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Hosea 14:9 Who is wise that he may understand (Ho Hs Hos.) |
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