Proverbs 28:9

9 His prayer shall be made cursed, that boweth away his ear (who turneth away his ear), (so) that he hear not the law.

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 He that keepeth the law, is a wise son; but he that feedeth gluttons, shameth his father.

8 He that gathereth together riches by usuries, and free(ly) (made) increases, gathereth those together against poor men. (He who gathereth together riches from high interest rates, and exorbitant increases, gathereth them together for him who will give them to the poor.)

9 His prayer shall be made cursed, that boweth away his ear (who turneth away his ear), (so) that he hear not the law.

10 He that deceiveth just men in an evil way, shall fall in his perishing; and just men shall wield his goods. (He who deceiveth the righteous in an evil way, shall fall in his perishing; and the righteous shall possess his goods.)

11 A rich man seemeth wise to himself; but a poor man prudent shall search him. (A rich person seemeth wise to himself; but a prudent poor person shall search him out, and find him wanting.)