Proverbs 28:9

9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.

Proverbs 28:9 in Other Translations

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

9 God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.

9 God has no use for the prayers of the people who won't listen to him.

9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

9 Surely the prayer of someone who refuses to listen to [God's] teachings is disgusting.

9 Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law- even his prayer is detestable.

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 discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

8 Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.

9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.

10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

11 The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

Cross References

• 1. S Psalms 66:18; Psalms 109:7; S Proverbs 15:8; S Isaiah 1:13