Hosea 12:1-8 - God's Case Against Jacob's Heirs

1 Ephraim feeds on wind, and chases the east wind. He continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2 The LORD also has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways and according to his deeds he will repay him. 3 In the womb he took his brother by the heel; and in his manhood he contended with God. 4 Indeed, he struggled with the angel, and prevailed; he wept, and made supplication to him. He found him at Bethel, and there he spoke with us, 5 even the LORD, the God of Hosts; The LORD is his name of renown. 6 Therefore turn to your God. Keep kindness and justice, and wait continually for your God.

7 A merchant has dishonest scales in his hand. He loves to defraud. 8 Ephraim said, "Surely I have become rich, I have found myself wealth. In all my wealth they won't find in me any iniquity that is sin."