Hosea 12:1-8 ▼

1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.

2 The LORD has a charge to bring against Judah. He will punish Jacob according to his ways and repay him according to his deeds.

3 In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God.

4 Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there—

5 the LORD God of Hosts, the LORD is His name of renown.

6 But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and always wait on your God.

7 A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands.

8 And Ephraim boasts: “How rich I have become! I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors, they can find in me no iniquity that is sinful.”