Amos 5:11
Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))
لِذٰلك بِما أَنَّكم تَدوسونَ الضَّعيف، وتَأخُذونَ مِنه حِمْلَ قَمْحٍ، فأَنتُمْ تَبْنونَ بُيوتًا مِن حَجَرٍ مَنْحوت، ولا تَسكُنونَ فيها، وتَغرِسونَ كُرومًا شَهِيَّةً، ولا تَشرَبون خَمرَها.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Amos criticizes the wealthy for exploiting the poor by taking their wheat as payment and then failing to provide fair compensation. The speaker warns that despite building luxurious houses and vineyards, these same people will not enjoy them.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a lemonade stand, but instead of selling lemonade fairly, you take all your neighbor's lemons without giving anything back. This verse says that even though you might build the coolest treehouse ever, because you treated others badly, something bad could happen so you can't play in it.
Historical Background
Amos was a prophet during the 8th century BCE who spoke to both Israel and Judah about their social injustices. He lived when these nations were prosperous but socially divided, with rich taking advantage of the poor.
Living It Out Today
Consider a modern scenario where a CEO takes huge bonuses while cutting employee benefits or wages. This verse suggests that such actions may lead to unforeseen consequences that undermine one's own prosperity and comfort.
Topics
justiceexploitationsocial responsibilityprophetic warningconsequences of injusticewealth and morality
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the speaker in this passage?
The speaker is Amos, a prophet who delivers God’s message of judgment against Israel for their social injustices.
What does 'treading on the poor' mean?
'Treading on the poor' symbolically means exploiting or oppressing the poor, often by taking advantage of them financially or otherwise to gain personal benefit.
How do we see injustice today similar to what Amos is criticizing?
Today, this can manifest in corporate practices where executives exploit workers for profit without fair compensation or benefits, much like the exploitation described by Amos.
What are the consequences of unjust actions according to Amos 5:11?
According to the verse, those who unjustly take from the poor will face a reversal of fortune; they won’t enjoy their own wealth and prosperity as expected.