Amos 5:13

13 Therefore the prudent shall be silent at that time; for it is a time of evils.

Amos 5:13 Meaning and Commentary

Amos 5:13

Therefore the prudent shall keep silence at that time
Not the prophets of the Lord, whose business it was at all times to reprove, and not hold their peace, let the consequence be what it would; though the Targum calls them teachers; but private persons, whose wisdom it would be to say nothing; since reproof would do no good to these persons, and they would bring a great deal of hatred ill will, and trouble upon themselves as well as would hear the name of God blasphemed, which would be very afflictive to them: or the sense is, they would not speak to God on the behalf of these wicked men, knowing the decree was gone forth; nor say one murmuring word at it, believing it was in righteousness; and being struck also with the awfulness of God's righteous judgments: for it [is] an evil time;
in which sin abounded, and miseries and calamities on account of it.

Amos 5:13 In-Context

11 Therefore because they have smitten the poor with their fists, and ye have received of them choice gifts; ye have built polished houses, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted desirable vineyards, but ye shall not drink the wine of them.

12 For I know your many transgressions, and your sins are great, trampling on the just, taking bribes, and turning aside the poor in the gates.

13 Therefore the prudent shall be silent at that time; for it is a time of evils.

14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord God Almighty shall be with you, as ye have said,

15 We have hated evil, and loved good: and restore ye judgment in the gates; that the Lord God Almighty may have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.