Hosea 14:9
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. (NLT)

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Hosea is not a book one goes to for uplifting, encouraging words. The book of Proverbs is much lighter reading. Proverbs 10:19, for instance, says

Too much talk leads to sin. 
Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s never too early to shut up. Got it. That might come in handy today.

Simple. Practical. Powerful. 

Hosea, on the other hand, foregoes lighthearted encouragement. There’s a whole lotta bad news in these chapters. There are warnings galore. 

Then, we come to the last chapter and the final paragraph. Here is good news. Hosea bids his readers to listen carefully. He encourages them to gain wisdom through understanding what God is saying. He directs them onto God’s path which is always true and right. It is the living way. 

We can solve most of our problems today by paying attention to this proverb and by following Hosea’s instructions. Walk with God and let him do most of the talking. Don’t rush ahead of him. Don’t fall behind him. Don’t wander off to the right or to the left. Stay in step with him. Listen to his wisdom and put it into practice. 

Simple. Practical. Powerful. 

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I will walk along the Living Way and listen for God’s words of truth and life.

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Our Father, direct my steps. Teach me your truth. Guide me through every conversation and every activity. Amen.