Hosea 12:7

French Bible (BBB) Bible Bovet Bonnet (1900)

Canaan tient dans sa main une balance fausse, il aime à extorquer.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes someone who is a dishonest businessman using unfair scales to cheat people and enjoys oppressing others. The speaker, likely Hosea the prophet, highlights the deceitful nature of this person.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who likes to play games where he cheats by using a special dice that always rolls high numbers. He thinks it’s fun to trick other kids, but it's not nice at all. That’s what this verse is talking about—a grown-up who does something similar in his work.

Historical Background

Hosea wrote this during the time when Israel was divided into two kingdoms. The audience was the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Hosea lived and prophesied around 750-725 BC. This verse reflects the corruption and deceit common among merchants at that time.

Living It Out Today

In today’s world, consider a scenario where an online store uses misleading reviews to manipulate customers into buying products they don’t need. The business thrives on deception and customer dissatisfaction, much like the dishonest merchant in this verse.

Topics

• justice
• honesty
• deception
• oppression
• commerce
• moral corruption

Related Verses

• Proverbs 11:1
• Micah 6:10-12
• Zechariah 8:4
• Romans 3:7-8
• Matthew 25:34-40

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'balances of deceit' mean?

'Balances of deceit' refers to unfair scales used in trade to cheat customers. This practice was common and symbolizes dishonesty and manipulation.

How can we apply this verse to our daily life?

We should strive for honesty in all aspects of life, especially in business dealings. Avoiding deceitful practices ensures fairness and builds trust with others.

Why is the merchant described as loving oppression?

The verse suggests that this person finds pleasure in taking advantage of others, showing a deep-seated desire to dominate and control through unfair means.

How does Hosea’s message relate to current social issues?

Hosea’s condemnation of deceitful practices resonates with contemporary concerns about exploitation and corruption, urging us to advocate for justice and fairness in society.