Hosea 14:9

“Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? etc.] Contained in this book, and particularly in this chapter; which expresses so much of the goodness of God and grace of Christ to Israel; though it may be applied to the whole Scripture, and to all the mysteries and doctrines of the Gospel, respecting Christ and his grace; and be a recommendation of these to the consideration of every wise and prudent man; where he will find enough to exercise his wisdom and understanding; though he need not be discouraged in his search and inquiry into them. It suggests as if there were but few such wise persons, and that they are the only wise men that do know and…”

“EPILOGUE, summing up the whole previous teaching. Here alone Hosea uses the term "righteous," so rare were such characters in his day. There is enough of saving truth clear in God's Word to guide those humbly seeking salvation, and enough of difficulties to confound those who curiously seek them out, rather than practically seek salvation. fall--stumble and are offended at difficulties opposed to their prejudices and lusts, or above their self-wise understanding (compare Pro 10:29; Mic 2:7; Mat 11:19; Luk 2:34; Joh 7:17; Pe1 2:7-8). To him who sincerely seeks the agenda, God will make plain the credenda. Christ is the foundation-stone to some: a stone of stumbling and rock of offense to…”

“Who is wise and he shall understand these things? - The prophet says this, not of the words in which he had spoken, but of the substance. He does not mean that his style was obscure, or that he had delivered the message of God in a way difficult to be understood. This would have been to fail of his object. Nor does he mean that human acuteness is the key to the things of God. He means that those only of a certain character, those “wise,” through God, unto God, will understand the things of God. So the Psalmist, having related some of God’s varied chastenings, mercies and judgments, sums up, “Whoso is wise and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the…”

“Shall understand - Which the prophet has delivered. The ways - The ways which he would have us walk in towards him, his law, his ordinances, his whole doctrine are all righteous and equal. And the ways wherein God walks towards us, in afflicting or comforting are all righteous and equal. Shall walk in them - Will approve them all, justifying the righteousness of God's displeasure, and confessing he remembereth mercy in the midst of judgment. And justifying the righteousness of his precepts by endeavouring to observe them. The transgressors - Wilful, obstinate sinners, stumble and are offended at his commands, but more at his judgments; they cast off the one, and vainly hope to shift off the…”

“14:9 This final verse commends Hosea’s words to wise and discerning believers of all generations.”

“wise: Psa 107:43; Pro 1:5, Pro 1:6, Pro 4:18; Jer 9:12; Dan 12:10; Mat 13:11, Mat 13:12; Joh 8:47; Joh 18:37 for: Gen 18:25; Deu 32:4; Job 34:10-12, Job 34:18, Job 34:19; Psa 19:7, Psa 19:8, Psa 119:75, Psa 119:128; Eze 18:25, Eze 33:17-20; Zep 3:5; Rom 7:12 and the: Job 17:9; Psa 84:5, Psa 84:7; Pro 10:29; Isa 8:13-15; Mat 11:19 but: Luk 2:34, Luk 4:28, Luk 4:29, Luk 7:23; Joh 3:19, Joh 3:20, Joh 9:39, Joh 15:24; Rom 9:32, Rom 9:33; Co2 2:15, Co2 2:16; Th2 2:9-12; Pe1 2:7, Pe1 2:8 Next: Joel Introduction”

“Hos 14:9 (10) contains the epilogue to the whole book. "Who is wise, that he may understand this? understanding, that he may discern it? For the ways of Jehovah are straight, and the righteous walk therein: but the rebellious stumble in them." The pronoun אלּה and the suffix to ידעם refer to everything that the prophet has laid before the people in his book for warning, for reproof, for correction, for chastening in righteousness. He concludes by summing up the whole substance of his teaching in the one general sentence, which points back to Deu 32:4 : The ways of the Lord are straight. "The ways of Jehovah" (darkhē Yehōvâh) are the ways taken by God in the guidance and government of men;…”