“THERE are the pronouncing of curses and practicing of deception and murdering and stealing and committing of adultery that have broken forth, and acts of bloodshed have touched other acts of bloodshed.” (Hos. 4:2)

So the strong words of Hosea 4:1, 2 applied principally to whom? To people in a covenant relationship with God. They had failed to live up to his righteous requirements.

Since ‘all Scripture is beneficial for teaching and reproving,’ a Christian will be wise if he does not view these words as of concern only as they relate to the world in general. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Rather, if he recognizes that they were originally directed to God’s people of that time, he will benefit personally. Not only will he realize that he must avoid such wrongdoing as the practicing of deception, but he will accept Hosea’s words as a personal warning against spiritual decline through departure from godly ways.