For today, One Year Bible Online links here.
It is foolish to think that you can make things better by venting your anger. The wise restrain themselves and let their anger cool before expressing themselves.
If we trust the Lord, and act accordingly, we will be safe and secure. Furthermore the psalmist points out that if the people of a land are godly, their rulers will not be wicked. So, when the people believe that those running the government are evil, they have no one but themselves to blame. If they chose to start being godly, their rulers will be replaced with godly ones.
We should love one another. This is not a new command with this letter, rather it goes back to the beginning of Jesus’ teachings and, for that matter, to the beginning of the world. There is a circular logic in the writer’s argument, but one with real logic to it if you pay close attention. In order to show our love to others, and to God, we need to follow God’s commands. However, we are not following God’s commands if we do not love one another. There is no separation between the two things. Every act which goes against God’s commands is a failure to love others. However, no matter what we do, we are not following God’s commands if we do not love one another.
The writer brings up another point. In our effort to love others, we must not encourage those who are teaching falsehood and deception. In particular, he points out those who teach that Christ was not truly a man. Even though he does not spell it out, I believe that the author would also include those who teach that Jesus was ONLY a man as well.
For me the key message in all of Hosea’s prophesies is in verse 4 of chapter 4:
Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame!
There is special blame for the leaders for the people’s sins because they have led the people into idolatry and sin. It was the leaders’ job to lead the people into righteous and upright behavior and they have not only failed to do so, but they have done the opposite. However, this does not excuse the people because they have rejected those leaders who tried to lead them into righteous and upright behavior. Instead, the people have chosen to follow those leaders who lead them into idolatry and sin. Each and every one of us must take responsibility for our own actions. We must repent of our sins and turn to God.