Proverbs 15:8
New International Version
The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

New Living Translation
The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.

English Standard Version
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.

Berean Standard Bible
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

King James Bible
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

New King James Version
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

New American Standard Bible
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

NASB 1995
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

NASB 1977
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Legacy Standard Bible
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Amplified Bible
The sacrifice of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight!

Christian Standard Bible
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

American Standard Version
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; But the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD is disgusted by gifts from the wicked, but it makes him happy when his people pray.

English Revised Version
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A sacrifice brought by wicked people is disgusting to the LORD, but the prayers of decent people please him.

Good News Translation
The LORD is pleased when good people pray, but hates the sacrifices that the wicked bring him.

International Standard Version
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Majority Standard Bible
The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.

NET Bible
The LORD abhors the sacrifices of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

New Heart English Bible
The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Webster's Bible Translation
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

World English Bible
The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to YHWH, "" And the prayer of the upright [is] His delight.

Young's Literal Translation
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah, And the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Smith's Literal Translation
The sacrifice of the unjust an abomination of Jehovah: and the prayer of the upright his acceptance.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The victims of the wicked are abominable to the Lord: the vows of the just are acceptable.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The sacrifices of the impious are abominable to the Lord. The vows of the just are appeasing.

New American Bible
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

New Revised Standard Version
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The sacrifices of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD; but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
LORD JEHOVAH despises the sacrifices of the evil and his pleasure is in the prayer of the upright.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD; But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord; but the prayers of them that walk honestly are acceptable with him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
7The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools. 8The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.…

Cross References
Isaiah 1:11-15
“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. / When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you—this trampling of My courts? / Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations—I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. ...

Psalm 51:16-17
For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. / The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.

1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.

Hosea 6:6
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Micah 6:6-8
With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Amos 5:21-24
“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ...

Matthew 9:13
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 15:8-9
‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”

Mark 12:33
and to love Him with all your heart and with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Luke 18:10-14
“Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. / I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ ...

Hebrews 10:5-10
Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. / In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight. / Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me in the scroll: I have come to do Your will, O God.’” ...

1 John 3:22
and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.

Psalm 40:6-8
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. / Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll: / I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”

Jeremiah 6:20
What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me.”

Malachi 1:10
“Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would no longer kindle useless fires on My altar! I take no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will accept no offering from your hands.


Treasury of Scripture

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

sacrifice

Proverbs 21:27
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

Proverbs 28:9
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Isaiah 1:10-15
Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah…

the prayer

Proverbs 15:29
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

1 Chronicles 29:17
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

Psalm 17:1
A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

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Abomination Delight Detests Disgusting Evil-Doer Offering Pleases Prayer Sacrifice Upright Wicked
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Abomination Delight Detests Disgusting Evil-Doer Offering Pleases Prayer Sacrifice Upright Wicked
Proverbs 15
1. A gentle answer turns away wrath














The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD
This phrase highlights the importance of the heart's condition over mere ritualistic practices. In ancient Israel, sacrifices were a central part of worship, as outlined in Leviticus. However, God consistently emphasized that He desires obedience and righteousness over sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22, Isaiah 1:11-17). The term "wicked" refers to those who live in rebellion against God's commands, suggesting that their offerings are insincere. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 23:27-28, where He criticizes the Pharisees for their outward religiosity but inward corruption. The Hebrew word for "detestable" is often used in the context of idolatry, indicating that God views insincere worship as an abomination.

but the prayer of the upright is His delight
In contrast to the sacrifices of the wicked, the prayers of the upright are pleasing to God. The "upright" are those who live in accordance with God's will, demonstrating integrity and righteousness. This reflects the biblical principle that God values a contrite heart and genuine relationship over external rituals (Psalm 51:17). Prayer, as a form of communication with God, is accessible to all and does not require the elaborate rituals associated with sacrifices. This is further emphasized in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the power and importance of sincere prayer (Matthew 6:5-8). The delight God takes in the prayers of the upright underscores His desire for a personal and authentic relationship with His followers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The central figure in this verse, representing God, who is the ultimate judge of human actions and intentions.

2. The Wicked
Individuals who live in opposition to God's commands and whose sacrifices are not pleasing to Him.

3. The Upright
Those who live righteously and in accordance with God's will, whose prayers are a delight to Him.
Teaching Points
The Heart of Worship
God values the condition of our hearts over the external acts of worship. True worship stems from a sincere and obedient heart.

The Danger of Hypocrisy
Engaging in religious rituals without genuine faith and repentance is detestable to God. We must examine our motives and ensure they align with God's will.

The Power of Prayer
The prayers of the righteous are a delight to God. We should strive to live upright lives so that our prayers are effective and pleasing to Him.

Righteous Living
Living a life that aligns with God's commands is more important than merely performing religious duties. Our actions should reflect our faith.

God's Delight in the Upright
God takes pleasure in the prayers of those who live righteously. This should encourage us to pursue holiness and integrity in our daily lives.(8) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord.--And their prayers also (Isaiah 1:11). The worthlessness of sacrifice without obedience (comp. 1Samuel 15:22) may be here especially mentioned, because men are apt to think that what involves cost and trouble must be pleasing to God, even when not accompanied with what alone He cares for, a loving heart.

The prayer of the upright is his delight.--Even when offered by itself, without sacrifice.

Verse 8. - The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord. The costly sacrifice of the wicked is contrasted with the prayer, unaccompanied with sacrifice, of the upright. The first clause occurs again in Proverbs 21:27, and virtually in Proverbs 28:9. But in the latter passage the prayer of the wicked is denounced as abomination. Sacrifice, as legal and ceremonial, would be more naturally open to the charge of deadness and unreality; while prayer, as spontaneous and not legally enjoined, might be deemed less liable to for realism; all the more hateful, therefore, it is if not offered from the heart. The worthlessness of external worship without obedience and devotion of the heart is often urged by the prophets (see 1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:11, etc.; Jeremiah 6:20; Hosea 5:6; Amos 5:22; see also Ecclus. 31:18, etc.). The lesson was needed that the value of sacrifice depended upon the mind and disposition of the offerer, the tendency being to rest in the opus operatum, as if the external action was all that was necessary to make the worshipper accepted. This text was wrested by the Donatists to support their notion of the inefficacy of heretical baptism. St. Augustine replied that the validity of the sacrament depended not on the spiritual condition of the minister, but on the appointment of Christ. The text has also been applied to confirm the opinion that all the acts of unjustified man are sin. The truer view is that God's grace does act beyond the limits of his visible Church, and that the inspiration of the Holy Spirit concurs with the free will of man before he is formally justified. The second clause recurs virtually in ver. 29.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The sacrifice
זֶ֣בַח (ze·ḇaḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2077: A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice

of the wicked
רְ֭שָׁעִים (rə·šā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

is detestable
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת (tō·w·‘ă·ḇaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8441: Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol

to the LORD,
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

but the prayer
וּתְפִלַּ֖ת (ū·ṯə·p̄il·laṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8605: Intercession, supplication, a hymn

of the upright
יְשָׁרִ֣ים (yə·šā·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477: Straight, right

is His delight.
רְצוֹנֽוֹ׃ (rə·ṣō·w·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7522: Goodwill, favor, acceptance, will


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked (Prov. Pro Pr)
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