Hosea 4:11-19

New American Standard Bible 1995

¹¹ Harlotry, ^(A)wine and new wine take away the ^[a]understanding.
¹² My people ^(B)consult their wooden idol, and their diviner’s wand informs them;
For a spirit of harlotry has led them astray,
And they have played the harlot, departing ^[b]from their God.
¹³ They offer sacrifices on the ^(C)tops of the mountains
And ^[c](D)burn incense on the hills,
^(E)Under oak, poplar and terebinth,
Because their shade is pleasant.
Therefore your daughters play the harlot
And your ^[d]brides commit adultery.
¹⁴ I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlot
Or your ^[e]brides when they commit adultery,
For the men themselves go apart with harlots
And offer sacrifices with ^(F)temple prostitutes;
So the people without understanding are ^[f]ruined.

¹⁵ Though you, Israel, play the harlot,
Do not let Judah become guilty;
Also do not go to ^(G)Gilgal,
Or go up to Beth-aven
^(H)And take the oath:
“As the Lord lives!”
¹⁶ Since Israel is ^(I)stubborn
Like a stubborn heifer,
^[g]Can the Lord now ^(J)pasture them
Like a lamb in a large field?
¹⁷ Ephraim is joined to ^(K)idols;
^(L)Let him alone.
¹⁸ Their liquor gone,
They play the harlot continually;
^(M)Their ^[h]rulers dearly love shame.
^19 (N)The wind wraps them in its wings,
And they will be ashamed because of their sacrifices.