In the book of Amos, justice is described as being turned to wormwood, a very bitter substance. Wormwood, when extracted from its source, is colorless and can be mixed into water without altering its appearance, making its presence undetectable until tasted. When justice becomes wormwood, it transforms into a bitter experience, indicating that right behavior in relation to others results in something unpleasant rather than pleasant. Justice, in its proper sense, is correct moral practice, an active conduct or behavior that is outward, but when turned to wormwood, it reflects a corruption of this practice, leading to bitterness in human interactions.

In the messages of the Minor Prophets, the imagery of bitterness and judgment is vividly captured through the mention of Wormwood, a plant known for its extreme bitterness. In the context of Amos' prophecies, Wormwood is used metaphorically to represent the deep bitterness experienced by the disadvantaged people of Israel, whose efforts were subverted by a corrupt legal system. The perversions of that era, marked by exploitation and greed, caused profound suffering, akin to the bitter taste of Wormwood, among those who were oppressed. This powerful symbol underscores the severity of God's judgment on a society that prioritizes material gain over justice and compassion, reflecting the overarching theme of divine sovereignty and holiness that permeates the prophetic warnings of sin and the call for repentance.