Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin {is} a reproach to any people. {to any...: Heb. to nations}

The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, {departing} from the LORD.

How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: {thou art} a swift dromedary traversing her ways; {thou art...: or, O swift dromedary}

Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow {is} incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: {because} thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, {even} unto this very day. {nation: Heb. nations}

Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations. {judge: or, plead for} {bloody...: Heb. city of bloods?} {shew her: Heb. make her know}

My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused {them} to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away {the punishment} thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:

And, behold, there was lifted up a talent of lead: and this {is} a woman that sitteth in the midst of the ephah. {talent: or, weighty piece}

How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.