Ephraim has become like a dove, silly and without sense; they call upon Egypt, they go to Assyria. As they go, I will cast my net over them; I will bring them down like birds of the air; I will discipline them according to the report made to their assembly. Woe to them, for they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against me! I would redeem them, but they speak lies against me. (Hosea 7: 11-13)

I would redeem them, but...

In attempting to maintain its independence Israel would shift its alliances.

If Assyria menaced, it would seek the help of Egypt.

When Egypt threatened, Israel would ally itself with Assyria.

As a nation or individual we often perceive the need to be "pragmatic." Too often this is a euphemism for unprincipled.

To be truly pragmatic is to be firmly realistic. Realism requires an accurate understanding of how the world works and even why it works the way it does.

The realist does not lie to him or herself. The realist seeks the truth and attempts to act consistently with that truth.

The first words of this chapter, "When I would heal Israel..." suggests that God's truth might even be a catalyst for Israel's falsehoods and iniquities.

The religious person is especially vulnerable to self-righteousness. Religiousity combined with even a dollop of power can lead to a misplaced sense of divine favor.

"I would redeem them but they speak lies against me." The preposition translated as against can also mean about, upon, because, concerning...

When we twist fundamental reality there is no hope of redemption.