Proverbs 21:27

27 The Lord hates it when wicked people offer him sacrifices, especially if they do it from evil motives. 1

Proverbs 21:27 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:27

The sacrifice of the wicked [is] abomination
That is, to the Lord, as in ( Proverbs 15:8 ) ; and as it is here added in the Septuagint and Arabic versions; how much more, [when] he bringeth it with a wicked mind?
the Arabic version is, "with a mind alien from the law"; or when it is not brought according to law; when it is a corrupt thing, that which is torn, lame, or sick, or robbery for burnt sacrifice; when it is done with an evil intention, to cover sin, to atone for without repenting of it or forsaking it; that they may go on in sin with impunity, and be allowed to commit it; for which cause Balak and Balsam offered sacrifices, which is the instance Jarchi produces; and indeed every religious action not done in faith, and love, and sincerity, and with a view to the glory of God, but in hypocrisy and with selfish views, in order to procure acceptance with God and justification in his sight; setting aside the righteousness, sacrifice, and satisfaction of the son of God, is done with a wicked mind, and is an abomination to the Lord. Some render it, "even though he brings it diligently", or "with great art and skill" F9; is constant at his devotion, and carries it so artfully, and with such a show of religion, as to deceive men, yet he cannot deceive the Lord.


FOOTNOTES:

F9 (hmzb) "solerter", De Dieu.

Proverbs 21:27 In-Context

25 Lazy people who refuse to work are only killing themselves;
26 all they do is think about what they would like to have. The righteous, however, can give, and give generously.
27 The Lord hates it when wicked people offer him sacrifices, especially if they do it from evil motives.
28 The testimony of a liar is not believed, but the word of someone who thinks matters through is accepted.
29 Righteous people are sure of themselves; the wicked have to pretend as best they can.

Cross References 1

  • 1. +221.27Ben Sira 7.9.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.