Hos 12:8 | JFB | STEP | 8. 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 ( ). Therefore, in just retribution, this is the very language of the enemy in being the instrument of Israel's punishment. : "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 ( ) into a justification of their impenitence (compare ).

Hosea 12:8

8. 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 (Re 3:17). Therefore, in just retribution, this is the very language of the enemy in being the instrument of Israel's punishment. Zec 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 (Mt 5:45) into a justification of their impenitence (compare Ec 8:11-13).