Hosea 12:1-8 ▼

1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.

2 The LORD has an indictment against Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways; he will repay him according to his deeds.

3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God.

4 He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us—

5 the LORD, the God of hosts, the LORD is his memorial name:

6 “So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.”

7 A merchant, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress.

8 Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”