Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.

◄ Hosea 14:9 ►

New International Version
Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

New Living Translation
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.

English Standard Version
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.

Berean Standard Bible
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.

King James Bible
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

New King James Version
Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, But transgressors stumble in them.

New American Standard Bible
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But wrongdoers will stumble in them.

NASB 1995
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.

NASB 1977
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Whoever is wise, so let him discern these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of Yahweh are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.

Amplified Bible
Whoever is [spiritually] wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is [spiritually] discerning and understanding, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble and fall in them.

Christian Standard Bible
Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

American Standard Version
Who is wise, that he may understand these things? prudent, that he may know them? for the ways of Jehovah are right, and the just shall walk in them; but transgressors shall fall therein.

Contemporary English Version
If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean. I am the LORD, and I lead you along the right path. If you obey me, we will walk together, but if you are wicked, you will stumble.

English Revised Version
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them; but transgressors shall fall therein.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Wise people will understand these things. A person with insight will recognize them. The LORD's ways are right. Righteous people live by them. Rebellious people stumble over them.

Good News Translation
May those who are wise understand what is written here, and may they take it to heart. The LORD's ways are right, and righteous people live by following them, but sinners stumble and fall because they ignore them.

International Standard Version
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right: the righteous follow his example, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Majority Standard Bible
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.

NET Bible
Who is wise? Let him discern these things! Who is discerning? Let him understand them! For the ways of the LORD are right; the godly walk in them, but in them the rebellious stumble.

New Heart English Bible
Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall in them.

World English Bible
Who is wise, that he may understand these things? Who is prudent, that he may know them? For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Who [is] wise, and understands these? Prudent, and knows them? For upright are the ways of YHWH, "" And the righteous go on in them, "" And the transgressors stumble therein!”

Young's Literal Translation
Who is wise, and doth understand these? Prudent, and knoweth them? For upright are the ways of Jehovah, And the righteous go on in them, And the transgressors stumble therein!

Smith's Literal Translation
Who being wise, and he shall understand these things? and knowing, and he shall know them? for the ways of Jehovah are straight, and the just shall go in them: and they transgressing shall be weak in them.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know these things? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall in them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Who is wise and will understand this? Who has understanding and will know these things? For the ways of the Lord are straight, and the just will walk in them, but truly, the traitors will fall in them.

New American Bible
Who is wise enough to understand these things? Who is intelligent enough to know them? Straight are the paths of the LORD, the just walk in them, but sinners stumble in them.

New Revised Standard Version
Those who are wise understand these things; those who are discerning know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
He who is wise shall understand these things; he who is prudent shall know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous shall walk in them; but transgressors shall stumble therein.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Whoever is wise, let him perceive these things and consider to know them, that the ways of LORD JEHOVAH are right, and the righteous ones walk in them and the evil stumble in them

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Whoso is wise, let him understand these things, Whoso is prudent, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the just do walk in them; But transgressors do stumble therein.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Who is wise, and will understand these things? or prudent, and will know them? for the ways of the Lord are straight, and the righteous shall walk in them: but the ungodly shall fall therein.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

A Promise of God's Blessing
…8O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing cypress; your fruit comes from Me. 9Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.

Psalm 107:43
Let him who is wise pay heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:12
Who is the man wise enough to understand this? To whom has the mouth of the LORD spoken, that he may explain it? Why is the land destroyed and scorched like a desert, so no one can pass through it?

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

Isaiah 26:7
The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright.

Psalm 25:8-9
Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way. / He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.

Proverbs 2:7-9
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, / to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. / Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path.

Psalm 92:5-6
How great are Your works, O LORD, how deep are Your thoughts! / A senseless man does not know, and a fool does not understand,

Isaiah 55:7-9
Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. / “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. / But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. / For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ...

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Romans 11:33-36
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! / “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” / “Who has first given to God, that God should repay him?” ...

1 Corinthians 2:14-16
The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. / The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. / “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Treasury of Scripture

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

wise.

Psalm 107:43
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Proverbs 1:5,6
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: …

Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

for.

Genesis 18:25
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Job 34:10-12,18,19
Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity…

and the.

Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

Psalm 84:5,7
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them…

Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

but.

Luke 2:34
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

Luke 4:28,29
And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, …

Luke 7:23
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

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Hosea 14

1. An exhortation to repentance.
4. A promise of God's blessing.

Berean Study Bible

Who is wise?
The Hebrew word for "wise" is "חָכָם" (chakam), which implies not just intellectual knowledge but a deep, practical understanding of life that aligns with God's will. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). This opening question challenges the reader to self-reflection, urging them to seek wisdom that is rooted in divine truth rather than human understanding.

Let him understand these things
The word "understand" comes from the Hebrew "בִּין" (bin), which means to discern or perceive. It suggests a deeper level of comprehension that goes beyond surface knowledge. In the context of Hosea, "these things" refer to the teachings and prophecies delivered throughout the book, emphasizing repentance and returning to God. Understanding here is not merely intellectual but involves a transformation of the heart and mind.

Who is discerning?
"Discerning" is translated from the Hebrew "נָבוֹן" (navon), which indicates an ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. This discernment is a gift from God, enabling believers to navigate life's complexities with spiritual insight. In a world filled with moral ambiguity, the call to discernment is a call to align one's judgment with God's standards.

Let him know them
The Hebrew word for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada), which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. This is the same word used to describe the intimate relationship between a husband and wife. In this context, it suggests that knowing God's ways involves a personal relationship with Him, characterized by love, obedience, and faithfulness.

For the ways of the LORD are right
The "ways of the LORD" refers to God's commandments, statutes, and the path He sets before His people. The Hebrew word for "right" is "יָשָׁר" (yashar), meaning straight or upright. This affirms the moral and ethical perfection of God's ways, which are always just and true. In a world where human paths often lead to destruction, God's ways provide a sure and righteous path.

and the righteous walk in them
"Righteous" is derived from the Hebrew "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik), referring to those who are just and live in accordance with God's laws. To "walk" in the biblical sense means to live one's life. Thus, the righteous are those who live their lives in alignment with God's ways, experiencing His blessings and guidance.

but the rebellious stumble in them
The "rebellious" are those who reject God's authority and choose their own path. The Hebrew word "פָּשַׁע" (pasha) conveys a sense of willful transgression. To "stumble" suggests falling or failing, indicating that those who oppose God's ways will ultimately face consequences. This serves as a warning that rebellion against God leads to spiritual and moral downfall.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) Who is wise.--Hosea hands his words over to all students of the ways of God. The exhortation to wisdom is expressed in the form of a question. "Wisdom" and "wise men" take in the later Hebrew literature the place of "prophecy" and "prophets." Wisdom interprets both the word and its fulfilment. Christ's own teaching goes beyond wisdom and prudence (Matthew 11:28; comp. 1Corinthians 1:20): it was spirit and life (John 6:63).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall far therein. This verse demands attention to all the prophet has written, whether for warning, or reproof, or correction in righteousness, or encouragement to piety and virtue, and evidently alludes to Deuteronomy 32:4. The ways of the Lord are those he prescribes for them to walk in, as also the ways he takes in guiding, guarding, and governing men. Like the dictates of the Word, so the dispensations of his providence are to some the savor of life, to others the savor of death; therefore it is added that, while the righteous walk therein, the wicked stumble in them (comp. Deuteronomy 30:19, 20).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Whoever
מִ֤י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

is wise,
חָכָם֙ (ḥā·ḵām)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

let him understand
וְיָ֣בֵֽן (wə·yā·ḇên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

these things;
אֵ֔לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

[whoever] is discerning,
נָב֖וֹן (nā·ḇō·wn)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

let him know them.
וְיֵֽדָעֵ֑ם (wə·yê·ḏā·‘êm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3045: To know

For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the ways
דַּרְכֵ֣י (dar·ḵê)
Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

of the LORD
יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

are right,
יְשָׁרִ֞ים (yə·šā·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477: Straight, right

and the righteous
וְצַדִּקִים֙ (wə·ṣad·di·qîm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

walk
יֵ֣לְכוּ (yê·lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in them,
בָ֔ם (ḇām)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

but the rebellious
וּפֹשְׁעִ֖ים (ū·p̄ō·šə·‘îm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6586: To break away, trespass, apostatize, quarrel

stumble
יִכָּ֥שְׁלוּ (yik·kā·šə·lū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3782: To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall

in them.
בָֽם׃ (ḇām)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

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OT Prophets: Hosea 14:9 Who is wise that he may understand (Ho Hs Hos.)