Proverbs 21:3

3 To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable 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] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

3 To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 A high look, and a proud heart, [and] the plowing of the wicked, [is] sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want.