God established Israel and provided everything for them to prosper. But when their spreading vines started seeing crops, they started building altars—to worship idols like their neighbors. God will not tolerate such behaviors much longer. They will be scattered without a nation (3) and soon learn that their splendorous idols have no power to help them. Their beautiful altars will be destroyed with thorns and thistles growing on them.

And God will discipline Israel to live by His will (11). God challenges them to plow their hard heart and sow righteousness to reap unfailing love (12). He points out that their wickedness is rooted in their desire to depend on their own strength. They indulged in evil and deception when they refused to submit to the sovereign God. By replacing God with a man-made god that was supposed to do what they wanted it to do, they angered God and brought destruction on themselves (13).

What do you sow in your heart today? Are you willing to humble yourself and sow the righteousness of the Lord instead of your own ways?
Application: Father, you have the way and the life. I repent of my rebellious mind and desire to seek my own way. Please help me to open my spiritual eyes to see the truth clearly.
One Word: Proud heart produces deception.