“Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: But wickedness overthroweth the sinner. There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: There is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. The ransom of a man's life are his riches: But the poor heareth not rebuke. The light of the righteous rejoiceth: But the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. Only by pride cometh contention: But with the well advised is wisdom.”
Proverbs 13:6-10 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.13.6-10.KJV
Reordering Our Priorities
The northern tribes of Israel in Amos' time seemed like they were doing all the right things. They offered sacrifices to God and were exact in their religious observations. And yet, the book of Amos is written to them as a warning—a warning that destruction that would befall them if they refused to change?
Why?
Because they had neglected the true heart of loving and worshiping God.
While they were doing many of the "right" things, it's what they weren't doing that God wanted to address. They failed to take care of the poor and needy. They turned their eyes away from injustice. Many had turned to idols for help and prayer.
Through Amos, God told the people of Israel that it is just as important to be righteous inwardly as it is outwardly. We cannot say we love God and others when we fail to help people who are within our power to help.
Just as James 1:27 tells us, true religion includes helping orphans, widows, and those who are in distress. James goes on to write ...