Walking in God's ways

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
whoever is discerning, let him know them;
for the ways of the Lord are right,
and the upright walk in them,
but transgressors stumble in them.

Hosea 14:9

This verse, the last in the book of Hosea, struck me last year while on vacation. The prophet ends the book by this succinct, incisive reminder to walk in God's ways. Calling the nation of Israel to repentance, he pleads with them to return to God and follow Him.

Are we "wise" and "discerning"? Do we desire to know God's ways and walk in them? To the righteous, God's way is a firm, safe path to deliverance. Yet, those who do not know him, they cannot follow his commandments and "stumble".