Amos 5:13

13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.

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Amos 5:13 in Other Translations

KJV

13 Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.

ESV

13 Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.

NLT

13 So those who are smart keep their mouths shut, for it is an evil time.

MSG

13 Justice is a lost cause. Evil is epidemic. Decent people throw up their hands. Protest and rebuke are useless, a waste of breath.

CSB

13 Therefore, the wise person will keep silent at such a time, for the days 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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Amos 5:13 In-Context

11 You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not drink their wine.

12 For I know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts.

13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.

14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.

15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.