Amos·Chapter 5

How to Apply

To live out this verse this week, start small. Each day, look for one opportunity to choose good over evil. This could be as simple as helping someone in need, speaking kindly to others, or standing up against unfair treatment. Make a conscious effort to seek out goodness in your choices. At the end of the week, reflect on how those choices made you feel and any changes you noticed in your life. It’s about creating a habit of looking for what uplifts and nurtures both you and those around you!

Chapter Context

Alright, let’s zoom out a bit. This verse is nestled in a powerful chapter where the prophet Amos is addressing a group of people who have strayed from what really matters. They were caught up in their own routines, sometimes ignoring the pain around them. Amos is urging them to wake up and recognize that their actions have consequences. By choosing good over evil, they can turn their lives around and invite God back into their story. This verse serves as a pivotal moment, urging them to change direction before it’s too late. It’s like a much-needed wake-up call in a dramatic narrative of hope and warning.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• seek - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• good - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• not - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• evil - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• live - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• so - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• lord - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• god - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• hosts - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• with - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What does 'seeking good' look like for you in your daily life, and how can you intentionally choose it this week?

Related Verses

• Micah 6:8 - This verse emphasizes acting justly, loving kindness, and walking humbly, which ties directly to seeking good.
• Romans 12:21 - This verse encourages overcoming evil with good, reinforcing the idea that your choices matter in the fight against negativity.
• Proverbs 11:27 - This verse states that those who seek good will find favor, echoing the promise that comes with choosing the right path.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Amos 5:14. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Historical Context

Written during a time of relative prosperity in Israel, Amos's prophetic message stands in stark contrast to the prevailing societal values. The nation experienced economic success, but this came at the expense of the poor and marginalized. The religious practices of the people had become hollow, marked by hypocrisy and superficiality. Amos, a shepherd and fig farmer from Tekoa, was called by God to prophesy against Israel, emphasizing the need for justice and righteousness. His messages were directed toward a people who felt secure in their status, unaware that their moral decay would lead to divine judgment.