Proverbs 28:9

9 If a person will not listen to Torah, even his prayer is an abomination.

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 observes Torah, but a friend of those lacking restraint shames his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by charging exorbitant interest amasses it for someone who will bestow it on the poor.
9 If a person will not listen to Torah, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoever causes the honest to pursue evil ways will himself fall into his own pit, but the pure-hearted will inherit good.
11 The rich man is wise in his own view, but the poor who has discernment sees through him.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.