Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 15:8 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. "
Proverbs 15:8
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.
8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.
10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way. Whoever hates reproof shall die.
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God so hates wicked people, whose hearts are full of malice and whose lives do harm, that even their sacrifices are disgusting to him. Wicked people may bring sacrifices to God to quiet their own consciences and protect their good name in the world, much like criminals run to a place of safety, not because it is holy, but because it shields them from justice. But their sacrifices, no matter how costly, are not accepted by God, because they are not offered with sincerity or from a right heart. They are pretending before God, while their daily conduct exposes their false worship, and for that reason their worship is an abomination to him. They use religion as a cover for sin (Proverbs 7:14; Isaiah 1:11).
But God has such love for upright, good people that, even though they do not pay the cost of a sacrifice, since God himself has provided that way, their prayer is a delight to him. The grace that leads them to pray is his own gift, and the work of his own Spirit in them, so he is pleased with it. He not only answers their prayers, but also takes pleasure in their coming to him and in doing them good.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 15:2
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools gush out folly."
Proverbs 15:3
"The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good."
Proverbs 15:4
"A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit."
Proverbs 15:5
"A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence."
Proverbs 15:6
"In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble."
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