Proverbs 28:9

9 If you don't pay attention to the law, even your prayers are hated.

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 child who obeys the law understands what is right. But a child who likes to eat too much brings shame on his father.
8 A person who increases his wealth by charging high interest piles it up for someone who will be kind to poor people.
9 If you don't pay attention to the law, even your prayers are hated.
10 Those who lead honest people down an evil path will fall into their own trap. But those who are without blame will receive good things.
11 Rich people may be wise in their own eyes. But a poor person who understands what is right knows what they are really like.
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