Hosea 12:8

“And Ephraim said, yet I am become rich, etc.] Notwithstanding they took such unjust methods, as to use deceitful balances, they prospered in the world, got abundance of riches; and therefore concluded from thence that their manner of dealing was not criminal, at least not so bad as the prophets represented to them; and so promised themselves impunity, and that what they were threatened with would not come upon them; and, as long as they got riches, they cared not in what manner; and inasmuch as they prospered and succeeded in their course of trading, they were encouraged to go on, and not fear any evil coming upon them for it. According to Aben Ezra and Kimchi, the sense is, that they became…”

“And--that is, Notwithstanding. Yet I am . . . rich--I regard not what the prophets say: I am content with my state, as I am rich (Rev 3:17). Therefore, in just retribution, this is the very language of the enemy in being the instrument of Israel's punishment. Zac 11:5 : "They that sell them say . . . I am rich." Far better is poverty with honesty, than riches gained by sin. my labours--my gains by labor. they shall find none--that is, none shall find any. iniquity . . . that were sin--iniquity that would bring down the penalty of sin. Ephraim argues, My success in my labors proves that I am not a guilty sinner as the prophets assert. Thus sinners pervert God's long-suffering goodness (Mat…”

“And Ephraim said, Yet am I become rich - Literally, “I am simply rich.” As if he said, “the only result of all this, with which the prophets charge me, is that ‘I am become rich:’ and since God thus prospers me, it is a sure proof that he is not displeased with me, that ‘no iniquity’ can be ‘found in me;’” the ordinary practical argument of men, as long as God withholds His punishments, that their ways cannot be so displeasing to Him. With the people of this world, with its politicians, in trade, it is the one decisive argument: “I was in the right, for I succeeded.” “It was a good speculation, for he gained thousands.” “it was good policy, for, see its fruits. An answer, at which the pagan…”

“I am rich - Whatever is said, yet I get what I aim at. They shall find - Yet he hugs himself in the apprehension of close carriage of his affairs, so that no great crime can be found in him: none, that is sin, that is any great enormity. Hosea 12:9”

“Yet: Job 31:24, Job 31:25; Psa 49:6, Psa 52:7, Psa 62:10; Zac 11:5; Luk 12:19, Luk 16:13; Ti1 6:5, Ti1 6:17; Rev 3:17 I have: Deu 8:17; Isa 10:13, Isa 10:14; Hab 1:16, Hab 2:5, Hab 2:6 in all: etc. or, all my labours suffice me not; he shall have punishment of iniquity in whom is sin they: Pro 30:12, Pro 30:20; Jer 2:23, Jer 2:35; Mal 2:17, Mal 3:13; Luk 10:29, Luk 16:15 that: Heb. which. Hosea 12:9”