Amos 5:13
New International Version
Therefore the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.

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

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

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.

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

New King James Version
Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it is an evil time.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore at such a time the prudent person keeps quiet, because it is an evil time.

NASB 1995
Therefore at such a time the prudent person keeps silent, for it is an evil time.

NASB 1977
Therefore, at such a time the prudent person keeps silent, for it is an evil time.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore at such a time the one with insight keeps silent, for it is an evil time.

Amplified Bible
Therefore, he who is prudent and has insight will keep silent at such a [corrupt and evil] time, for it is an evil time [when people will not listen to truth and will disregard those of good character].

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, those who have insight will keep silent at such a time, for the days are evil.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, the wise person will keep silent at such a time, for the days are evil.

American Standard Version
Therefore he that is prudent shall keep silence in such a time; for it is an evil time.

Contemporary English Version
Times are so evil that anyone with good sense will keep quiet.

English Revised Version
Therefore he that is prudent shall keep silence in such a time; for it is an evil time.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
That is why a wise person remains silent at such times, because those times are so evil.

Good News Translation
And so, keeping quiet in such evil times is the smart thing to do!

International Standard Version
therefore the prudent person remains silent at such a time, for the time is evil.

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.

NET Bible
For this reason whoever is smart keeps quiet in such a time, for it is an evil time.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore a prudent person keeps silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.

World English Bible
Therefore a prudent person keeps silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Therefore the wise is silent at that time, "" For it [is] an evil time.

Young's Literal Translation
Therefore is the wise at that time silent, For an evil time it is.

Smith's Literal Translation
For this the prudent one shall be silent in that time, for it is an evil time.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence at that time, for it is an evil time.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the prudent will be silent at that time, for it is an evil time.

New American Bible
(Therefore at this time the wise are struck dumb for it is an evil time.)

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore the prudent will keep silent in such a time; for it is an evil time.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because of this, he who understands in that time will be quiet for it, because that time is of evil
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Therefore the prudent doth keep silence in such a time; For it is an evil time.

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

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Call to Repentance
12For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate. 13Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil. 14Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed.…

Cross References
Proverbs 11:12
Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Ecclesiastes 3:7
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

Isaiah 29:20-21
For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down— / those who indict a man with a word, who ensnare the mediator at the gate, and who with false charges deprive the innocent of justice.

Micah 7:5-7
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. / For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. / But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

Isaiah 32:6-7
For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. / The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.

Psalm 37:7-9
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. / Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm. / For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

Matthew 10:16-18
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. / But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. / On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 59:14-15
So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. / Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

1 Peter 2:20-23
How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. / For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: / “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” ...

Jeremiah 4:22
“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, without understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”

James 1:19-20
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Psalm 39:1-2
For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” / I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.

1 Peter 3:14-16
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” / But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, / keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.


Treasury of Scripture

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

the prudent.

Amos 6:10
And a man's uncle shall take him up, and he that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house, and shall say unto him that is by the sides of the house, Is there yet any with thee? and he shall say, No. Then shall he say, Hold thy tongue: for we may not make mention of the name of the LORD.

Ecclesiastes 3:7
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Isaiah 36:21
But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.

an evil.

Ecclesiastes 9:12
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

Isaiah 37:3
And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Micah 2:3
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil.

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Amos 5
1. A lamentation for Israel.
4. An exhortation to repentance.
21. God rejects their hypocritical service.














Therefore
This word serves as a conclusion or result of the preceding verses, where Amos describes the rampant injustice and corruption in Israel. The Hebrew word used here is "לָכֵן" (lakhen), which often introduces a logical consequence. It signals that what follows is a direct response to the moral and social decay described earlier.

the prudent
The Hebrew term "מַשְׂכִּיל" (maskil) refers to someone who is wise, insightful, or discerning. In the context of Amos, the prudent are those who understand the gravity of the situation and the futility of speaking out against the pervasive evil. Their wisdom is not just intellectual but moral, recognizing the spiritual and ethical dimensions of their society's condition.

keep silent
The phrase "keep silent" comes from the Hebrew "יָדוּם" (yadum), which implies a deliberate choice to refrain from speaking. This silence is not out of fear or apathy but is a strategic decision. In a time when speaking out could lead to persecution or further injustice, the prudent choose silence as a form of protest or self-preservation.

in such times
This phrase highlights the specific historical and cultural context of Amos's prophecy. The "times" refer to a period of moral decay and social injustice in Israel. Archaeological findings and historical records from the 8th century BC corroborate the societal issues Amos addresses, such as economic disparity and corrupt leadership.

for the days are evil
The Hebrew word for "evil" is "רָעִים" (ra'im), which encompasses not only moral wickedness but also the resulting chaos and suffering. The "days" being described are characterized by systemic injustice and a departure from God's covenantal standards. This phrase echoes the broader biblical theme of discerning the times and understanding the spiritual battle between good and evil.

(13) Prudent . . . silence.--The dumb silence of the prudent is the awful curse which comes upon a people when they are given up to selfishness and rapacity. Thus the doom:--"Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone."

Verse 13. - Even while he speaks, the prophet feels that his reproof is useless (comp. Jeremiah 7:27, etc.; Hosea 4:1, 17). In that time; at such a time as this, the man who acts wisely holds his peace, because it is a time of moral corruption and of personal danger. But the prophet cannot restrain his call (comp. Ezekiel 33:3, etc.). In Micah 2:3 the "evil time" is one of calamity.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Therefore,
לָכֵ֗ן (lā·ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

the prudent
הַמַּשְׂכִּ֛יל (ham·maś·kîl)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7919: To be, circumspect, intelligent

keep silent
יִדֹּ֑ם (yid·dōm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1826: To be dumb, to be astonished, to stop, to perish

in such
הַהִ֖יא (ha·hî)
Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

times,
בָּעֵ֥ת (bā·‘êṯ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

for
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the days
עֵ֥ת (‘êṯ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

are evil.
רָעָ֖ה (rā·‘āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil


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OT Prophets: Amos 5:13 Therefore a prudent person keeps silent (Amo. Am)
Amos 5:12
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