Hosea 14: 1-9

I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me. Those who are wise understand these things; those who are discerning know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. (Hosea 14: 8-9)

The same ways that serve the upright cause transgressors to stumble. Without further study I perceive that traveling God's way without stumbling depends on a particular kind of understanding and discernment.

I am intrigued by the first line, the final sentence of verse 8. I would think faithfulness must begin with me and be extended to God. But there is something in how God's character is like an evergreen cypress that originates my faithfulness in God.

The original Hebrew translated above as faithfulness is peree meaning fruit or offspring or figuratively any creative outcome. To me this more literal meaning is much clearer than "faithfulness."

The wisdom referenced is chakam. This is a practical, skillful, even shrewd ability at problem-solving. Understanding and discernment are the same Hebrew word meaning to very carefully observe. The transgression referenced is pasha which is a prideful, expansive rebellion.

My creative abilities come from God. In creating I am - or can be - closest to God's intention for me and all of creation. But I will be tempted to create beyond my understanding and beyond God's intention. Such pride will cause my creating to separate me from God.

I am to be an acute observer and a careful listener. By focusing on that outside myself - God and neighbors - rather than on my own ambitions and fantasies, I am much more likely to create with wisdom and understanding.