Definition: As they were increased, so they sinned against me: [therefore] will I change their glory into shame.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Hosea 4:7 together. It’s a really powerful and thought-provoking verse from the book of Hosea, which is about a broken relationship between Hosea and his wife, Betsey. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a turning point where a person (represented by Hosea) becomes completely consumed by selfishness and rebellion against God. It’s saying that the person starts to actively harm or disrupt God’s plan for them, and ultimately, their relationship with Him becomes terrible. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “As they were increased…” This means something bad started happening – growing worse, becoming more serious. It wasn't just a small problem; it was escalating. “…so they sinned against me…” This is the core of the verse. “Sinning” here means breaking God’s rules or ignoring His will. Hosea and Betsey are essentially being rebellious against God. They’re pushing boundaries, ignoring His guidance, and doing things that go against His plan for their relationship. “[therefore] will I change their glory into shame.” This is the big part. "Glory" refers to God's favor, His praise, and His love. The verse says that this rebellion will erase or ruin their beautiful, holy image – their reputation, honor, and everything that makes them worthy of God’s love. It suggests a complete loss of goodness and righteousness. What it means in a broader sense: This verse speaks to the idea that pride and selfishness can lead to a falling off the path of righteousness. It's about recognizing that we need to be careful not to push boundaries or ignore God’s instructions, because those actions ultimately damage our relationship with Him. Important Note: It's often interpreted as a warning against focusing on personal gain or pride at the expense of God and others. It's a call for humility and turning back to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what “sinning” might look like? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?