What actions might cause one's prayer to be considered "detestable" according to Proverbs 28:9? The Key Text “Whoever turns his ear away from listening to the law, even his prayer is detestable.” (Proverbs 28:9) What “listening to the law” means • Giving God’s word first place in thought, conduct, and decision-making • Humbly receiving correction and adjusting behavior accordingly • Treating Scripture as binding, not optional (James 1:22) Actions that make prayer detestable • Ignoring Scripture altogether—never opening it, never seeking to understand it • Selective hearing—embracing pleasant verses while rejecting commands that confront sin (Jeremiah 6:16-17) • Persisting in known sin: choosing habits Scripture forbids, refusing to repent (Psalm 66:18) • Rejecting godly correction—shutting down counsel from pastors, parents, or friends who quote the Bible (Proverbs 15:10) • Religious show without obedience—attending worship, giving offerings, saying prayers while daily life contradicts God’s statutes (Isaiah 1:15-17) • Hard-heartedness toward the needy—defying God’s repeated law to defend the poor and oppressed (Proverbs 21:13; Isaiah 58:6-9) • Dishonest living—lying, cheating, or using unjust weights though the law forbids it (Proverbs 11:1) • Domestic hypocrisy— mistreating spouse or family, then bowing to pray (1 Peter 3:7) • Refusing reconciliation—harboring bitterness and unforgiveness while reciting prayers (Matthew 5:23-24) Echoes in the rest of Scripture • Psalm 66:18 — “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” • Zechariah 7:11-13 — Because the people “turned a stubborn shoulder,” God “would not listen.” • Isaiah 59:1-2 — “Your iniquities have made a separation… so that He does not hear.” • James 4:3 — Selfish motives nullify requests. • 1 John 3:22 — “Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.” Cultivating a hearing heart • Daily, humble Bible intake—read, study, and meditate with intent to obey • Quick repentance when Scripture exposes sin (Proverbs 28:13) • Eager acceptance of godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20) • Consistent practice of what is learned (Matthew 7:24-25) • Compassionate deeds that mirror God’s heart for justice and mercy (Micah 6:8) By aligning life with God’s revealed will, prayers rise from obedient hearts and are welcomed, not detested. |
    |