Hosea 14

1Israel, return to Yahweh your God; for you have fallen because of your sin. 2Tell him, “Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so we offer our lips like bulls. Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. 3We won’t ride on horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, ‘Our gods!’ for in you the fatherless finds mercy.” Assyria can’t save us. 4I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from him. “I will heal their waywardness. 5He will blossom like the lily, and send down his roots like Lebanon. I will be like the dew to Israel. 6and his beauty will be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon. His branches will spread, 7They will revive like the grain, and blossom like the vine. Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon. Men will dwell in his shade. 8I answer, and will take care of him. I am like a green cypress tree; from me your fruit is found.” Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols? 9Who 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. Who is wise, that he may understand these things?