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11 You take unfair taxes[a] from the poor.
    You take loads of wheat from them.
You build fancy houses with cut stone,
    but you will not live in them.
You plant beautiful vineyards,
    but you will not drink the wine from them.
12 This is because I know about your many sins.
    You have done some very bad things:
You hurt people who do right,
    you accept money to do wrong,
    and you keep the poor from receiving justice in court.
13 At that time wise teachers will be quiet,
    because it is a bad time.

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Footnotes

  1. Amos 5:11 take unfair taxes The meaning of the Hebrew word here is uncertain.

11 You levy a straw tax on the poor(A)
    and impose a tax on their grain.
Therefore, though you have built stone mansions,(B)
    you will not live in them;(C)
though you have planted lush vineyards,
    you will not drink their wine.(D)
12 For I know how many are your offenses
    and how great your sins.(E)

There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes(F)
    and deprive the poor(G) of justice in the courts.(H)
13 Therefore the prudent keep quiet(I) in such times,
    for the times are evil.(J)

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