The Bible uses the metaphor of walking throughout all of Scripture. One facet of walking with Jesus is walking upright. That means more than just posture. It also means doing the right thing and going in the right direction. Israel had wandered off of the path during Hosea’s time and gotten lost. Fortunately, God had brought them back, and now He is telling them to walk in righteousness lest they stumble again.
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 will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.”
Straightforward Advice
As Hosea concludes his book, he offers some wise counsel on how Israel should proceed. It is straightforward advice. Walk in the ways of the Lord. Be obedient to His commandments and don’t live in sin. After all that Israel has been through, this is much-needed instruction. They have stumbled, and yet God is picking them up and giving them another chance. Hosea encourages them to heed his counsel and to obey God’s Word.
Don’t Stumble
You can tell if someone is obedient to the Word of God by how they live their lives. The righteous are upright, which means they walk in the confidence and strength of their obedience. Transgressors or those who live in sin, by contrast, are people who often stumble. They live their lives bent over from the pain caused by their sin. They try to give the image of being upright but are rarely successful. You have a choice on how you will live your life.
Walking Upright
Hosea appeals to wise and discerning people. He tells them to understand and know the Word of God. This doesn’t come naturally. You are more prone to sin than be obedient, so there needs to be an effort on your part. Fill yourself with the Word of God so you will know what to do and then lean on the Holy Spirit for discernment when making choices. This will lead you on the right path and keep you upright.