What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:27? The sacrifice of the wicked - The verse begins by spotlighting a worshiper whose life contradicts God’s standards. “Wicked” points to a person living in open rebellion (see Proverbs 15:8; Psalm 50:16-17). - No matter how carefully prepared, a sacrifice presented by someone who refuses to repent is already off-course. is detestable - God labels such an offering “detestable,” the same strong term He uses for idolatry (Isaiah 1:11-15; Amos 5:21-24). - Outward religiosity cannot mask inward sin. What disgusts God is not the ritual but the hypocrisy behind it. how much more so - The writer now turns up the volume. If the mere presence of unrepentant sin makes a sacrifice abhorrent, things spiral further when another ingredient is added (Jeremiah 7:9-10; Matthew 23:14). - The question form (“how much more”) invites us to pause and feel the weight of the escalation. when brought with ill intent! - Here the worshiper isn’t just wicked; he’s scheming. He may be trying to buy divine favor, cover ongoing evil, or impress people (1 Samuel 15:22-23; Malachi 1:13-14; Acts 8:18-21). - Key takeaways: • God sees motive as clearly as action. • Ritual without repentance compounds guilt. • Attempts to manipulate God boomerang into judgment. summary Proverbs 21:27 teaches that God rejects worship rooted in an unrighteous life, and He is even more offended when a sacrifice is used as a smokescreen for evil motives. Authentic worship springs from a repentant, obedient heart; anything less is not only empty but revolting to the Lord. |
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