DIFFERENT LIFE ON EARTH PRESENTS: LESS THAN ⥷GREAT HEADS OF STATE (A fictional look into the hearts and minds of our more colorful Heads of State) EPISODE 3 INHERITING A LEGACY
DIFFERENT
LIFE ON EARTH PRESENTS:
LESS THAN ⥷GREAT HEADS OF STATE
(A fictional look into the hearts and minds of our more colorful Heads of State)
EPISODE 3
INHERITING A LEGACY
ENTITLEMENT AND PRIVILEGE
He arises early in the morning and his servants wait on him and his young wife. Breakfast is ready with his favorite foods. They bring him a newly cleaned and pressed uniform to put on and a barber stands ready to groom his hair, while someone gives him a manicure.
Today, is the weapons inspection day and he is looking forward to new developments to flaunt in the face of the west. Yes, he knows that it is a dangerous game, but Putin and others have promised that if he continues with the charade, he will get what he wants. It's just the formalities they must go through to make it look like it was a struggle and not planned all along.
The American president, who he detests, is part of the charade, but, he has been assured that he, too, is working to his benefit; for they all will prosper from the deals that will be made in the years to come.
He looks in the mirror and handsomely smiles to his satisfaction, assuring the barber that he is pleased with his work. This has been his destiny all along. Like his father, he is a great and powerful leader, deserving of more power and respect. It is his responsibility to make North Korea the most formidable giant among the giants.
Like Donald Trump, he doesn't see himself as a puppet, but, as the puppeteer, because, he knows what most of the world does not know or have proof of. It is only a matter of time. That is, if the American buffoon can hold it together.
Russia has planned to come to their aid and smuggle supplies and food in to help them ride out the sanctions until their plans are in place. China, who has been promised substantial profits, is also doing its part to aide them throughout the sanctions. Everyone is looking to benefit and for their country to prosper; all but the old dotard who betrayed his own country. This is why he detests him even more. Who would do such a thing? Has he no honor? He looks into the mirror a second time for admiration, thankful to be who he is and not like the greedy and selfish Americans, who want to control everybody. Little do they know, he thought. His father didn't know how to get things done, but, he is more educated, he thinks. "Today, I will make progress for North Korea," he says aloud. "Today, I will make history!" His servants smile and bow in respect and reverence, nodding their heads in agreement and hailing their valiant leader.
Checking the time from his new iPhone, which was the latest model, he arose from the chair and ordered his servant to tell his chauffeur that he was ready. Smiling, he knows that despite the sanctions against his country, he, himself, can have anything that he wants, whenever he wants it. He gives no thought to the rest of the North Korean people. They want him to be happy because he deserves to be happy. He believes like many others, that it isn't selfish to live as he lives. He is just following the ways of tradition within their culture.
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SERIOUSLY
In command of deadly weapons, ready to launch and kill millions of people, Kim Jong Un is hardly the Mickey Mouse president. No matter what you think of him, he is the leader of a hostile and dangerous country, which must be dealt with.
Yet, how do you negotiate with someone who is used to having their own way and throughout their young life, they have had their own way? No, I'm not referring to our 45th president, although, this question certainly fits his character. I am referring to the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un.
So, what do we do? Do you use tough love? -Or, no love at all? Do you make demands and expect them to comply because you have the bigger mouth and you know how to throw the biggest tantrum? Or, perhaps you have the largest guns and bombs, or, the most guns and bombs? Do you hold out and prove that you have the longest stamina and refuse to budge and give into their desires?
Perhaps, we can use Shakespeare's methods in the Taming of the Shrew and appeal to their pride. It seemed to work in that particular situation. The way the shrew saw it, if she kept everyone in fear of her actions, then, she'd eventually get her way. It worked, until, one day she realized that there were some things that fear and bullying couldn't get her, such as, love, respect, virtue, dignity, honor, faithfulness, and genuine kindness, etc.
What will it take to peel away the layers and layers of fear which are built up and hardened around this leader and this country? They have become the shrew of the international community and seemingly unable to be tamed. However, perhaps, that is the problem, we have been trying to tame them and bring them to their knees, expecting them to bow to western domination and power.
As I watch this young man, he always seems to enjoy life. He seems to be happy with himself and his life. Yet, he has reason to be happy. He has lived his whole life in luxury, while the majority of his people continue to live in poverty. What does this tell you about the mental, physical, and spiritual health of these people? It tells me that they are lacking everything that is essential to make one whole and perhaps, the answer to their problems are apples. If they could only understand the true nature of apples.
Apples have a smooth peel that protects the sweet and juicy fruit inside, and at the center is the core. It appears that the purpose of the apple's core is to add to and enrich the outside of the core. However, the core protects a sufficient amount of seeds which can be planted to grow into new apple trees. The core is where the true strength and longevity of the apple lies. Kim Jong Un is but an apple peel. Shiny on the outside. Some would say that because of his recklessness and sense of entitlement, he is an apple that is rotten to the core, but, to the North Korean people, he is the apple peel and they are the strength of the nation.
But, would they trade their nuclear weapons for apples? Even if they developed a projectile to hurl the apples across the ocean, they would be lethal when striking individuals, but, could only do minimal damage to large populations and infrastructure. When you look at it, it is hardly a fair trade or a solution to their problems. However, is it any less silly from an apple peel presenting itself as the whole of an apple believing it has ultimate power and longevity?
Yet, again, that is part of the problem and why it has become such a farce. No one is really looking at the problem in a solvable way, because no one is willing to make sacrifices for the whole of the nation, not even its leader. We are only looking at the apple peel and not what is inside. Seeing that the outside of the apple is bruised and the skin is tough and rotten, we have no desire to slice it open and look at the seeds which still have the potential to be fruitful.
I've taken a different approach to looking into the heart of Kim Jong Un; for it is indeed an apples vs oranges situation. Here we have someone born into entitlement and privilege because his father is presently the leader of his country. He has passed down to his son his legacy and the son is expected to uphold it within the father's vision and approval. There is a weight that he carries unlike that of Putin and Trump. At this stage in Kim's life he is still a schoolboy, pretending to be a solider, fighting for justice, and the Pantalone is of course, Donald Trump. At this stage in Kim's life, the world, his world, as he has been taught to see it, is truly a stage for him to perform in the light of all the North Korean people, cheering him on. He is enamored with himself and his life. For him, there is no reason to ever change.
The cultural mind of North Korea is somewhat beyond what we in other countries might be able to truly comprehend unless we had been born into it. The people are beholden to their leader, isolated, and they feed on political propaganda that is culturally instilled. They expect to live lives of oppression and sacrifice for their leader and their country. To most, it is all they have ever known.
We cannot change the hearts and minds of the North Korean people without infiltrating their culture and dispelling lies and removing beliefs that are deeply etched into their culture. We cannot change the heart of Kim Jong Un without changing that which he identifies with. In other words, he must discover who he truly is within himself and within the world. If God is not in the process, then, our expectations must remain realistic within the realm and expectations of things and people of the world.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
In all fairness to Shakespeare, we can believe that the shrew was tamed. But, there is always the how and ever. How was it actually achieved and was it forever a happy ending? Was the shrew actually a shrew, or, were her behavioral problems due to her being spoiled and being in need of a worthy match, or opponent? Perhaps, what really occurred was a mutual respect and admiration of pride, intelligence, and wit, which was more compromise and convenience, than humility and submission; for what did they truly love about one another and was it unconditional or traditional?
Pride begets arrogance. Those filled with it--pride, carry an air of arrogance which they wield as a heavy sword upon others. Arrogance lives and breathes to prove its superiority, power, and authority. Contrary to the possessor's belief, arrogance lacks intelligence and maturity. Can we tame pride, or, does it have to be rooted out? Pride cannot be humbled, for good has no place with evil. Therefore, pride must be rooted out.
If the shrew were an actual person alive today, she would probably seek out worthy matches and opponents within celebrities, powerful businessmen, the elite and wealthy, and political leaders. This characteristic is found in our less than great heads of state, who are used to having their own way. In other words, "Birds of a feather flock together." This makes it understandable why the young leader, Kim Jong Un, is drawn to arrogant professional athletes and celebrities. In his eyes, they are worthy matches, worthy entertainment, and worthy of his time and attention. Yet, how much influence do they really have over him, when he, too, is led by pride?
Pride is a spiritual characteristic which can gain control over you, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It can be subdued, but, not tamed. For one to become humbled, one must die to their flesh, their self, and live in the spirit, walking by faith and not by sight. We find no evidence of this in Shakespeare's play, just, the whimsical thought of carnal love having conquered all, with power to tame the wildest of beasts.
Tell me, what does our young leader truly love? Has he been taught the correct meaning of love? What does he know of unconditional love? Is it even reasonable to expect that unconditional love would be considered within his culture and within politics?
We are looking at an entirely different culture and mindset, where people have been born into nationalism and rule under the dictatorship of one family. Most of these people have been isolated from the world and what they know of the world has been interpreted for them to poison their minds against the world. It remains a closed system for that very reason to control the masses. So what are their leaders really trying to accomplish? Is it for them or for themselves?
Pride must beget ignorance and spread ignorance in order to remain in control, carrying on and maintaining its facade of being right, to prevent those whom it controls from knowing the truth.
The Word of God says that His people perish because of lack of knowledge. Does the Word of God apply to North Korea? I challenge the people of North Korea to take hold of the Word of God into thy heart, soul, and spirit and prove themselves worthy; for God is the creator of ALL upon this earth. It is His Hand that makes and breaks nations, not bombs or wars. It is His Hand that builds up and tears down. He makes and breaks kings and kingdoms.
Within the knowledge of God you will find your honor and dignity and right to be held up as a nation of power and strength; for God is the provider of ALL; and He gives to those whom He pleases. Strength and power is given to those who understand that they are to love God with all their heart and soul, love their neighbor as themselves and those who know that they are their brother's keeper. Bombs, weapons, and armies do not give nations true strength. We have seen great nations with large armies fall throughout history. God is looking for nations which will add to His Kingdom. We are not talking about Earthly kingdoms, but, the Kingdom of God.
IF he truly wants to preserve his nation and office, I challenge the Leader of North Korea to seek God's face and learn of His Unconditional Love which truly unites people to follow after holiness and righteousness.
Yet, has pride already won the battle? Is the challenge too GREAT? Greater than one who seeks to rule by fear and destruction? Many can be forced to live under fear, but, who is strong and wise enough to live under GOD'S LOVE? Humility unto God is true leadership and power.
As I must remind my grandchildren over and over again, telling them, "You have not lived long enough to know for yourselves. what is right and wrong and what is right for you! Therefore, listen to wisdom, learn, and obey!" So, must we look at a nation ruled by a young leader, believing that a show of power is the right way for he and his people. He has not lived long enough to know what is right and wrong for himself and North Korea. They are a nation borne of fear and pride attempting to tame the world, when they themselves have become the shrew. Again, there is no taming pride, it must be rooted out!
So, what can be done with a rogue nation threatening the security of the world? Well, if Kim Jong Un were a mature leader, he would understand the stages of life and the evolution of a nation. He would see what other's see in North Korea's core, the people, and it's true potential within the world today. Instead, he has allowed himself to be influenced by others who do understand these things and are waiting with bated breath, rubbing their hands together in anticipation, eager to witness his self-destruction.
Were he a mature leader, he would see what the others who are advising him and making deals with him see---Korea as a potential goldmine for making money; millions of ready workers to manufacture; land to be exploited by huge corporations and conglomerates; a strategic location for trade. Yes, these men are willing to watch him self-destruct in order to get what they want from North Korea. Kim Jong Un knows who these men are, but, his pride and inability to operate within the world prevent him from escaping their clutches.
What can he do? He has built an illusion and now, he must follow through on the act, with the world as his stage. Yes, there is an audience, an audience ready to stand and give a standing ovation. But, not for his outstanding performance. No, the audience will be filled with those who have nurtured and helped him build this calamity that must fall as the curtain falls. They will gladly clap, knowing that their hands will soon be filled with money and riches, the spoils of victory from a war of manipulation.
Are there only two acts to this international drama, with the second ending in global tragedy and war? Can Kim Jong Un see his country beyond being driven by rising to nuclear power? Is he smart enough to abandon old ways and traditions, lies and deception, to allow all of the nation's people to truly live and thrive within the world? Or, will he leave North Korea within its fate to be a poor country with nuclear power?---Angry and ready to throw a tantrum because others will not play with it?--- Ready to take away the livelihood of all for the revenge of one?
It seems that the truly wise rarely rise to power and if they do, the Pantalones (the foolish, greedy, meddling, old dotards) around them do everything that they can to hinder them and destroy them. Putin, Trump, and Kim Jong Un are using the world as their stage, forcing us to be their audience. We can watch and allow them to put on the performance of their lives, changing our lives drastically and terribly, or, we can force them to change the script to our benefit and the benefit of all of God's people.
As Believers, why should we care? We know that what is in the world is for the world. If we do not care, then, we are no better than them. We, too, are proving that we are prideful and arrogant. We, too believe that we are superior and they aren't worth our time or effort. We, too, have hearts filled with hatred towards those who aren't like us. Yes, we are to respect those in authority, for God allowed them to be there, but, that is not the end of it. God allows so that we may learn from our mistakes, pray, repent, seek His face and allow Him to heal the land. He doesn't expect us to do nothing. David knew that dethroning Saul was inevitable. Saul was no longer ruling and working on behalf of all of God's people! He was bent on destruction and annihilation; driven mad by his obsession to have absolute power and destroy David. However, David knew that the fate of Saul's life would be determined by God.
God has made us the caretakers of earth and His creations. We must be good stewards and protect that which He has entrusted to us. Our spiritual warfare involves all of the people of the world. We mustn't give preference to one people over another. In doing so, we are not led by unconditional love. Our allegiance, our love and loyalty is to God and His Kingdom, first and always. Our love most go beyond loving those who love us back. Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!
If Jesus truly be within you, if you truly follow him, remember that he said this:
Pride begets arrogance. Those filled with it--pride, carry an air of arrogance which they wield as a heavy sword upon others. Arrogance lives and breathes to prove its superiority, power, and authority. Contrary to the possessor's belief, arrogance lacks intelligence and maturity. Can we tame pride, or, does it have to be rooted out? Pride cannot be humbled, for good has no place with evil. Therefore, pride must be rooted out.
If the shrew were an actual person alive today, she would probably seek out worthy matches and opponents within celebrities, powerful businessmen, the elite and wealthy, and political leaders. This characteristic is found in our less than great heads of state, who are used to having their own way. In other words, "Birds of a feather flock together." This makes it understandable why the young leader, Kim Jong Un, is drawn to arrogant professional athletes and celebrities. In his eyes, they are worthy matches, worthy entertainment, and worthy of his time and attention. Yet, how much influence do they really have over him, when he, too, is led by pride?
Pride is a spiritual characteristic which can gain control over you, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It can be subdued, but, not tamed. For one to become humbled, one must die to their flesh, their self, and live in the spirit, walking by faith and not by sight. We find no evidence of this in Shakespeare's play, just, the whimsical thought of carnal love having conquered all, with power to tame the wildest of beasts.
NATIONALISM VS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
OR
PRIDE VS. WISDOM
Tell me, what does our young leader truly love? Has he been taught the correct meaning of love? What does he know of unconditional love? Is it even reasonable to expect that unconditional love would be considered within his culture and within politics?
We are looking at an entirely different culture and mindset, where people have been born into nationalism and rule under the dictatorship of one family. Most of these people have been isolated from the world and what they know of the world has been interpreted for them to poison their minds against the world. It remains a closed system for that very reason to control the masses. So what are their leaders really trying to accomplish? Is it for them or for themselves?
Pride must beget ignorance and spread ignorance in order to remain in control, carrying on and maintaining its facade of being right, to prevent those whom it controls from knowing the truth.
The Word of God says that His people perish because of lack of knowledge. Does the Word of God apply to North Korea? I challenge the people of North Korea to take hold of the Word of God into thy heart, soul, and spirit and prove themselves worthy; for God is the creator of ALL upon this earth. It is His Hand that makes and breaks nations, not bombs or wars. It is His Hand that builds up and tears down. He makes and breaks kings and kingdoms.
Within the knowledge of God you will find your honor and dignity and right to be held up as a nation of power and strength; for God is the provider of ALL; and He gives to those whom He pleases. Strength and power is given to those who understand that they are to love God with all their heart and soul, love their neighbor as themselves and those who know that they are their brother's keeper. Bombs, weapons, and armies do not give nations true strength. We have seen great nations with large armies fall throughout history. God is looking for nations which will add to His Kingdom. We are not talking about Earthly kingdoms, but, the Kingdom of God.
Hosea 4:6 King James Version (KJV)
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
IF he truly wants to preserve his nation and office, I challenge the Leader of North Korea to seek God's face and learn of His Unconditional Love which truly unites people to follow after holiness and righteousness.
Yet, has pride already won the battle? Is the challenge too GREAT? Greater than one who seeks to rule by fear and destruction? Many can be forced to live under fear, but, who is strong and wise enough to live under GOD'S LOVE? Humility unto God is true leadership and power.
As I must remind my grandchildren over and over again, telling them, "You have not lived long enough to know for yourselves. what is right and wrong and what is right for you! Therefore, listen to wisdom, learn, and obey!" So, must we look at a nation ruled by a young leader, believing that a show of power is the right way for he and his people. He has not lived long enough to know what is right and wrong for himself and North Korea. They are a nation borne of fear and pride attempting to tame the world, when they themselves have become the shrew. Again, there is no taming pride, it must be rooted out!
So, what can be done with a rogue nation threatening the security of the world? Well, if Kim Jong Un were a mature leader, he would understand the stages of life and the evolution of a nation. He would see what other's see in North Korea's core, the people, and it's true potential within the world today. Instead, he has allowed himself to be influenced by others who do understand these things and are waiting with bated breath, rubbing their hands together in anticipation, eager to witness his self-destruction.
Were he a mature leader, he would see what the others who are advising him and making deals with him see---Korea as a potential goldmine for making money; millions of ready workers to manufacture; land to be exploited by huge corporations and conglomerates; a strategic location for trade. Yes, these men are willing to watch him self-destruct in order to get what they want from North Korea. Kim Jong Un knows who these men are, but, his pride and inability to operate within the world prevent him from escaping their clutches.
What can he do? He has built an illusion and now, he must follow through on the act, with the world as his stage. Yes, there is an audience, an audience ready to stand and give a standing ovation. But, not for his outstanding performance. No, the audience will be filled with those who have nurtured and helped him build this calamity that must fall as the curtain falls. They will gladly clap, knowing that their hands will soon be filled with money and riches, the spoils of victory from a war of manipulation.
ACT II SCENE VII
ALL THE WORLD IS A STAGE
"All the world's a stage" is the phrase that begins a monologue from William Shakespeare's As You Like It, spoken by the melancholy Jaques in Act II Scene VII. The speech compares the world to a stage and life to a play, and catalogues the seven stages of a man's life, sometimes referred to as the seven ages of man:[2] infant, schoolboy, lover, soldier, justice, Pantalone and old age, facing imminent death. It is one of Shakespeare's most frequently quoted passages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_world's_a_stage
Are there only two acts to this international drama, with the second ending in global tragedy and war? Can Kim Jong Un see his country beyond being driven by rising to nuclear power? Is he smart enough to abandon old ways and traditions, lies and deception, to allow all of the nation's people to truly live and thrive within the world? Or, will he leave North Korea within its fate to be a poor country with nuclear power?---Angry and ready to throw a tantrum because others will not play with it?--- Ready to take away the livelihood of all for the revenge of one?
It seems that the truly wise rarely rise to power and if they do, the Pantalones (the foolish, greedy, meddling, old dotards) around them do everything that they can to hinder them and destroy them. Putin, Trump, and Kim Jong Un are using the world as their stage, forcing us to be their audience. We can watch and allow them to put on the performance of their lives, changing our lives drastically and terribly, or, we can force them to change the script to our benefit and the benefit of all of God's people.
As Believers, why should we care? We know that what is in the world is for the world. If we do not care, then, we are no better than them. We, too, are proving that we are prideful and arrogant. We, too believe that we are superior and they aren't worth our time or effort. We, too, have hearts filled with hatred towards those who aren't like us. Yes, we are to respect those in authority, for God allowed them to be there, but, that is not the end of it. God allows so that we may learn from our mistakes, pray, repent, seek His face and allow Him to heal the land. He doesn't expect us to do nothing. David knew that dethroning Saul was inevitable. Saul was no longer ruling and working on behalf of all of God's people! He was bent on destruction and annihilation; driven mad by his obsession to have absolute power and destroy David. However, David knew that the fate of Saul's life would be determined by God.
God has made us the caretakers of earth and His creations. We must be good stewards and protect that which He has entrusted to us. Our spiritual warfare involves all of the people of the world. We mustn't give preference to one people over another. In doing so, we are not led by unconditional love. Our allegiance, our love and loyalty is to God and His Kingdom, first and always. Our love most go beyond loving those who love us back. Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!
If Jesus truly be within you, if you truly follow him, remember that he said this:
THE GREAT COMMISSION
Matthew 28:18-20 King James Version (KJV)
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
KOREAN
위대한위원회 마태 복음 28 : 18-20 킹 제임스 성경 (KJV)
18 예수 께서 와서 그들에게 말씀 하셨다. "하늘과 땅의 모든 권능이 내게 주어졌다.
19 그러므로 너희는 가서 모든 족속을 가르치며 아버지와 아들과 성신의 이름으로 침례를 베풀어 라.
20 내가 너희에게 명한 모든 것을 지키기 위해 그들을 가르치 라. 나는 너희와 항상 함께하며, 세상 끝까지 이른다. 아멘.
widaehan-wiwonhoe matae bog-eum 28 : 18-20 king jeimseu seong-gyeong (KJV)
18 yesu kkeseo waseo geudeul-ege malsseum hasyeossda. "haneulgwa ttang-ui modeun gwonneung-i naege jueojyeossda.
19 geuleomeulo neohuineun gaseo modeun jogsog-eul galeuchimyeo abeojiwa adeulgwa seongsin-ui ileum-eulo chimlyeleul bepul-eo la.
20 naega neohuiege myeonghan modeun geos-eul jikigi wihae geudeul-eul galeuchi la. naneun neohuiwa hangsang hamkkehamyeo, sesang kkeutkkaji ileunda. amen.
Psalm 27:8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Psalm 27 King James Version (KJV)
27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
your servants, united within the Body of Christ, in eternal fellowship. Amen.
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Hosea 4 King James Version (KJV)
4 Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.
3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.
4 Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest.
5 Therefore shalt thou fall in the day, and the prophet also shall fall with thee in the night, and I will destroy thy mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame.
8 They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.
9 And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
10 For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the Lord.
11 Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
12 My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.
13 They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and burn incense upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms, because the shadow thereof is good: therefore your daughters shall commit whoredom, and your spouses shall commit adultery.
14 I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall.
15 Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, yet let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The Lord liveth.
16 For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the Lord will feed them as a lamb in a large place.
17 Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.
18 Their drink is sour: they have committed whoredom continually: her rulers with shame do love, Give ye.
19 The wind hath bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.
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