“A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: Neither will he go unto the wise. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: But the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil: But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Better is little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. A wrathful man stirreth up strife: But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: But the way of the righteous is made plain. A wise son maketh a glad father: But a foolish man despiseth his mother. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: But a man of understanding walketh uprightly. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
Proverbs 15:12-22 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.15.12-22.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 ...