O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me. Those who are wise understand these things; those who are discerning know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. (Hosea 14: 8-9)

The ways of the Lord are right - yashar - straight, smooth, and pleasing.

Those who know God, who have found God's intention, and who recognize their common identity with God will walk these ways.

Those who rebel against God, who disdain God's intention, and who reject their common identity with God are drawn to other more difficult and circuitous paths.

The ways of God have their risks, heartaches, and suffering, especially where the ways of God intersect with the other paths.

But these troubles need not distract us from the way of God nor impede our good progress.

Above is the Hosea window from Augsburg Cathedral.