“Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: But when he is gone his way, then he boasteth. There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: And take a pledge of him for a strange woman. Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. Every purpose is established by counsel: And with good advice make war.”
Proverbs 20:13-18 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.20.13-18.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 ...