Proverbs 28:9

9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.

Proverbs 28:9 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 28:9

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law
Not merely the moral law, but the word of God in general, and any and every doctrine of it; though the law is to be heard and attended to, what it commands and forbids, its precepts, menaces, and curses: indeed the Spirit of God is not received by the hearing of the law, nor does faith come by that; but by hearing the word of God, particularly the Gospel; which yet then turn away their ears from, and are turned to fables, and choose to hearken to anything rather than that; and, like the deaf adder, stop their ears to the voice of the charmer, charming ever so wisely; the folly and sad effects of which will be seen when too late; even his prayer [shall be] abomination;
that is, to God; not only his ungodly actions, but even his outward exercises of religion, which carry in them some show of goodness and holiness; and particularly his prayer to God, which in upright persons is the delight of the Lord; yet in such an one it will be abhorred by him; when he is in distress, and shall pray to the Lord, he will not only turn a deaf ear to him, as he has to his law or word, but he will despise and abhor him and his prayer; because he has set at nought his counsel, and despised his reproof, ( Proverbs 1:24-28 ) .

Proverbs 28:9 In-Context

7 A wise son keeps the law: but he that keeps up debauchery dishonours his father.
8 He that increases his wealth by usuries and gains, gathers it for him that pities the poor.
9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.
10 He that causes upright men to err in an evil way, himself shall fall into destruction: transgressor also shall pass by prosperity, but shall not enter into it.
11 A rich man is wise in his own conceit; but an intelligent poor man will condemn him.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or, abhorred his prayer.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.