1. How does the vision of the ripe summer fruit symbolize the impending judgement of Israel?

2. What specific societal injustices and corrupt practices were prevalent in Israel, as described in this chapter?

3. How does God respond to economic exploitation and dishonest trade?

4. How is the severity of the impending judgment described? What does this tell us about the consequences of sin?

5. What does the prophecy of the "famine of hearing the words of the Lord" symbolize?

6. How does this chapter reflect on the moral and spiritual health of society today?

7. In what ways are you challenged to stand against injustice and corruption in your own context after reading this chapter?

8. How can we ensure that we do not fall into the same spiritual complacency as the people of Israel did?

9. How does the prospect of a "famine of the word" make you value the access you currently have to the Bible and teachings about God?

10. In your own life, how have you experienced or witnessed economic exploitation, and what can be done to combat it?

11. How can we apply the lessons of this prophecy to our personal lives and society at large?

12. What does the mourning "like for an only son" tell us about the emotional toll of the impending judgement?

13. How can we respond to the warning in this chapter about false worship and swearing by false gods?

14. How does this chapter challenge your current practice of your faith?

15. How does this chapter emphasize the importance of honesty and fairness in business dealings?

16. What steps can we take to avoid a spiritual "famine" in our lives?

17. How do the concepts of justice and fairness in Amos 8 inform your understanding of God's character?

18. In what ways does this chapter challenge the status quo and provoke you to take action?

19. What role can you play in promoting justice in your community, based on the lessons from this chapter?

20. How does Amos 8 affect your understanding of the consequences of spiritual decay and societal injustice?