Amos 5:13

13 So those who are wise keep quiet in times like these. That's because the times are evil.

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 You walk all over poor people. You make them give you grain. You have built stone houses. But you won't live in them. You have planted fruitful vineyards. But you won't drink the wine they produce.

12 I know how many crimes you have committed. You have sinned far too much. You crush those who do what is right. You accept money from people who want special favors. You take away the rights of poor people in the courts.

13 So those who are wise keep quiet in times like these. That's because the times are evil.

14 Look to what is good, not to what is evil. Then you will live. And the LORD God who rules over all will be with you, just as you say he is.

15 Hate what is evil. Love what is good. Do what is fair in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God who rules over all will show you his favor. After all, you are the only ones left in the family line of Joseph.