13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.
13 Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.
13 Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.
13 Justice is a lost cause. Evil is epidemic. Decent people throw up their hands. Protest and rebuke are useless, a waste of breath.
13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it is an evil time.
13 So those who are smart keep their mouths shut, for it is an evil time.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 5:13
Commentary on Amos 5:7-17
(Read Amos 5:7-17)
The same almighty power can, for repenting sinners, easily turn affliction and sorrow into prosperity and joy, and as easily turn the prosperity of daring sinners into utter darkness. Evil times will not bear plain dealing; that is, evil men will not. And these men were evil men indeed, when wise and good men thought it in vain even to speak to them. Those who will seek and love that which is good, may help to save the land from ruin. It behoves us to plead God's spiritual promises, to beseech him to create in us a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit within us. The Lord is ever ready to be gracious to the souls that seek him; and then piety and every duty will be attended to. But as for sinful Israel, God's judgments had often passed by them, now they shall pass through them.