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. (Hosea 14:9, NKJV)
One’s wisdom is calculated by that person’s relation to the ways (precepts, commands, Psa. 119:3-4). “The ways of the Lord are right,” that is, they are just and true (Deut. 32:4). One cannot go wrong by knowing and following the ways of God. Therefore, to understand God’s ways, to know them and to “walk in them” is to be wise and prudent. This wisdom is joined with righteousness as one lives according to God’s ways or rules of conduct. On the other hand, transgressors deviate from the ways of the Lord; they stumble upon His word. Paul’s description of the Roman Christians illustrates the wisdom Hosea commends: “For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore, I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple (innocent, jrp) concerning evil” (Rom. 16:19). Be wise. Make the right choice, to know and to walk in the ways of the Lord. God’s ways are right and good, and the righteous walk in them.
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