Proverbs 21:3

3 To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:3 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:3

To do justice and judgment
The moral duties of religion, what is holy, just, and good, which the law requires; what is agreeably to both tables, piety towards God, and justice to men; that which is just and right between man and man; which, especially if done from right principles and with right views, [is] more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice;
not than any sacrifice; than the sacrifice of a broken heart, or the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, or of acts of goodness and beneficence, or of a man's whole self to the Lord; but than ceremonial sacrifices; which, though of divine institution, and typical of Christ, and when offered up in the faith of him, were acceptable to God, while in force; yet not when done without faith and in hypocrisy, and especially when done to cover and countenance immoral actions; and, even when compared with moral duties, the latter were preferable to them; see ( 1 Samuel 15:22 ) ( Mark 12:33 ) .

Proverbs 21:3 In-Context

1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

2 All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

3 To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the guides of the wicked—are sin.

5 The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.