Hosea 12:1-8

Ephraim follows fantasies, like feeding on the wind. They chase the desert wind all day long; they multiply their lies and violence. They make a treaty with Assyria, and at the same time, they send a gift of olive oil to Egypt.” YAHWEH is bringing charges against Judah. He will punish Jacob as his conduct deserves; he will repay the people for what they have done. In his mother’s womb, Jacob grabbed his twin brother’s heel; when he grew to be a man, he struggled with God. He wrestled with the angel and won; he wept and sought his blessing. God met him at Bethel, and there he spoke to us. Yes, YAHWEH is the God of Angel Armies. YAHWEH—remember his name! And you, to your God you must return. Stand guard over divine love and justice and always put your trust in him as you wait patiently for your God. Israel, you are like merchants using fraudulent scales. How you love to cheat your customers! Ephraim boasts, “Look how rich I have become! I’ve made a fortune all by myself. There’s nothing wrong with the profits I have made. Is there anything sinful about that?”