When evidence is found for any accusation, a charge sheet is filed in the court of law. Weighing the evidence, the court of law pronounces judgment. The Lord brings a charge sheet against the Nation of Israel, the chosen people of God, with whom God had made a covenant. (Hosea 4:1-3)
No Truth: Prophet Hosea listed three things missing: Truth, Mercy, and Knowledge. All three are interconnected. Rejecting the reading, studying, and meditating on the Truth, the Word of God, results in a lack of knowledge of God. His Word is the Truth. (John 17:17) Truth is not philosophy or an expert opinion, but the revealed Word of God.
No knowledge of God: When a person does not know the Truth, the Scripture, the Bible, they will not know God. Such people do not know who God is, His attributes, or His requirements. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)
No Mercy: When a person does not have the right relationship with God, they will not have the right relationship with others. Without understanding the love and mercy of God and experiencing the same, one will not be able to extend that love and mercy to others. Mercy is to go beyond selfishness and self-interest, loving, serving, and blessing others.
Consequences: When there is no wisdom based on the fear of God, there will be lying, killing, stealing, and adultery. Truth and mercy are things of the past and are considered relevant to the present. Hence, people will be without any restraint, violence and bloodshed will abundantly increase.
Without restraint: Today’s young people think that there is neither authority nor rules. “Just do it” is a favorite tagline. “Shed off inhibitions” is considered credible advice. It means making your own rules and living by them. Like Israel during the time of the Judges, everyone does what seems fit. (Judges 21:25) Such freedom is the pathway to destruction. Nations wish to break the chains of morality, truth, ethics, and righteousness. (Psalm 2:3)
Do I value truth, mercy, and knowledge of God as my priorities?