Hosea Lesson 5: LIVING WISELY

Hosea 12-13 draws a contrast between the way things used to be in Israel prior to Hosea's time, the way they were, and the way they should have been. Here the prophet forces the people to see their various options and to look at their situation from
a broad perspective. Herein lies the art of living. God's people must learn to make decisions and to live life from an eternal perspective. God, through Hosea, reminded Israel of her past and of her present. Once again, judgment is a prominent theme, for if they continue in sin and refuse to repent, then judgment will be imminent. Decisions made to today should be made with careful consideration of the past and with the realization that present actions have a profound effect upon the future. The book concludes on a note of great hope. If Israel is truly wise then she will repent and return to the Lord. Whoever is wise will know that the ways of the Lord are right (14:9).