Bible Strands
Amos 5:13
Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet Amos addresses the northern kingdom of Israel during a period of systemic legal corruption and social oppression. He delivers this warning immediately after condemning the bribery and denial of justice at the city gates.
The words — The Hebrew הַמַּשְׂכִּיל (ha-maskil) denotes the prudent or understanding person, while יִדֹּם (yi-dom) literally means he will keep silent or be hushed. The phrase עֵת רָעָה (et ra'ah) translates directly to a time of evil or calamity.
The thread — This pattern of restrained speech during judgment aligns with Ecclesiastes 3:7, which pairs a time to be silent with a time to speak, and mirrors Hosea 4:4, which forbids reproof because the people resemble those contending with a priest. The looming judgment also corresponds to Micah 2:3, where God announces a disaster from which escape is impossible.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize when vocal opposition is futile or dangerous under active divine judgment. It demands deliberate restraint rather than reckless confrontation when the surrounding days are fundamentally corrupt.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.
Cross-references
- Ecclesiastes 3:7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
- Hosea 4:4 But let no man contend; let no man offer reproof; for your people are like those who contend with a priest.
- Micah 2:3 Therefore this is what the LORD says: “I am planning against this nation a disaster from which you cannot free your necks. Then you will not walk so proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.
- Ephesians 5:15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
- 2 Timothy 3:1 But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come.
- Ecclesiastes 9:12 For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them.
- Isaiah 36:21 But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him.”
- Isaiah 37:3 to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.
- Amos 6:10 And when the relative who is to burn the bodies picks them up to remove them from the house, he will call to one inside, “Is anyone else with you?” “None,” that person will answer. “Silence,” the relative will retort, “for the name of the LORD must not be invoked.”
- Micah 7:5 Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.