Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Efraim sier da: ‘Hva har jeg med avguder å gjøre?’ Jeg, Herren, har svart ham at Jeg ser til ham. Jeg er som et beskyttende grønt tre. Frukten deres er å finne hos Meg. Hvem er så klok at han forstår dette? Hvem er så klok at han kjenner det? For Herrens veier er gode og rette. De som vil leve for Ham, går på dem. Men de som ikke bryr seg om å leve etter Guds gode vilje, men heller lever i synd, de snubler og faller på sin vei.»
What Does This Mean?
This verse asks who is wise and prudent enough to understand the right ways of God, which are followed by those who do what's just, while transgressors will fall away. Hosea speaks here, emphasizing that God's ways lead to righteousness and avoiding them leads to failure.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a treasure map with clear paths and traps for thieves. The wise kids find the treasure because they follow the good path, but sneaky ones trip into traps. This verse says following God’s right way is like finding that treasure!
Historical Background
Hosea wrote this during the eighth century B.C., to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He speaks to a people who have turned away from God and seeks to call them back, using vivid imagery and moral persuasion.
Living It Out Today
In modern terms, consider someone choosing between two career paths: one ethical but challenging, the other easy but dishonest. The wise person will choose the right path, succeeding ethically; the unethical choice will lead to downfall or regret.