If ignoring the law makes one’s prayers detestable (Proverbs 28:9), how do we account for apparent answered prayers among those who openly violate biblical commands?

Understanding the Question

Proverbs 28:9 says, “He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.” This raises a thought-provoking issue: How do we reconcile this passage with the reality that some individuals who live in open violation of biblical commands appear to have their prayers answered?

The following entry explores the biblical context of Proverbs 28:9, addresses the nature of divine response to prayer, and examines how answered prayers can sometimes occur even among those who disregard God’s law.

1. Exploring the Context of Proverbs 28:9

Proverbs 28:9 should be interpreted in light of the broader biblical teachings on prayer, obedience, and God’s character. The immediate context warns against hypocrisy and positions obedience to God’s commands as a foundational aspect of true righteousness. Turning away one’s ear from hearing the law suggests a deliberate rejection of the revealed will of God.

• In the Old Testament, “hearing the law” is closely tied to covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:4–9). Those who persist in ignoring God’s directives make a mockery of prayer, as their hearts are not postured in reverence or repentance.

• The book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the disposition of the righteous person with that of the wicked (Proverbs 10:24–25). Within this tapestry, those who neglect the law cannot expect to receive God’s blessing in a covenantal sense.

2. Distinguishing Between Common Grace and Covenant Blessings

Scripture shows examples of blessings and provisions enjoyed both by those who love God and by those who do not. A key concept here is common grace: the kindness God bestows on all people regardless of their spiritual standing (Matthew 5:45). This includes life’s necessities, as well as occasional reprieves or what might appear to be “answers” to prayer.

• Common Grace: Even individuals who reject God’s law can experience temporal favors. Sometimes these may look like answered prayers, but they function as part of God’s universal benevolence and patience. This divine patience, according to Romans 2:4, is meant to lead people to repentance, not to validate their disobedience.

• Distinction from Covenant Promises: Israel in the Old Testament was given explicit promises of blessing tied to obedience (Deuteronomy 28). The principle remains that those in a proper covenant relationship with God—through faith in Christ—enjoy special intimacy and assurance regarding answered prayer (1 John 5:14–15). Externals that appear to be answered prayers in the lives of the disobedient do not enjoy that covenantal dimension.

3. God’s Sovereignty Over All Prayer

Even the prayers of those who resist God’s laws occur under His sovereign hand. God can use any scenario to accomplish His purposes, including instances where He might allow an evildoer’s request to unfold for a greater outcome.

• Divine Purposes: In certain biblical narratives, God used the actions of those opposed to His will to fulfill prophecy or reveal His power. For instance, Pharaoh hardened his heart but episodically pleaded for relief from plagues (Exodus 8:8). God showed His sovereignty in how He responded or withheld relief, ultimately displaying His authority through events that served His broader plan.

• Instrumental for Judgment or Mercy: In some cases, what appears as an “answered prayer” might be a form of testing or judgment. In others, God can use the situation to highlight His mercy or direct observers toward the truth.

4. Role of Intercessors

Sometimes we attribute a perceived answered prayer to the person in question, but it may be the plea of faithful intercessors on behalf of that individual. Throughout Scripture, intercessory prayer has led to remarkable deliverance (e.g., Abraham interceding for Sodom in Genesis 18, Moses interceding for Israel in Exodus 32).

• Corporate Prayers: A rebellious individual might experience a miracle because godly men and women prayed fervently on his or her behalf. The grace shown in such situations can be part of God’s sovereign plan to draw the disobedient person to repentance.

• Impact on Observers: When people see an undeserving individual receive a tangible blessing, they may be moved to consider God’s mercy, which can open hearts to the gospel.

5. Biblical Examples of Apparent Contrasts

Several Scriptures reinforce that God may withhold or grant requests for reasons that are not immediately apparent to human perception. A few to consider:

• Luke 18:10–14: The Pharisee and the tax collector both pray, but only the humble, repentant tax collector is justified. Answered prayer is linked with a posture of humility before God.

• Acts 8:9–24: Simon the Sorcerer believed but then attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. Though he was corrected and instructed to repent, the narrative illustrates that God’s granting of miraculous experiences is not necessarily an endorsement of a person’s unrepentant heart.

• Jonah 3:5–10: The people of Nineveh, though initially wicked, finally heeded God’s warning. Their repentance shows that genuine turning to God changes the dynamic of prayer.

6. Deception, Coincidences, and Partial Perceptions

Some answered “prayers” in the lives of those who violate God’s commandments may be coincidences or misattributions. Further:

• Attributing Good Fortune to Prayer: People who are not following God’s law might credit random events or fortunate circumstances to prayer when, in fact, there is no direct divine intervention.

• Spiritual Deception: In 2 Thessalonians 2:9–12, there is indication of deceptive workings. Though this passage addresses broader end-times events, it remains a reminder that not everything that seems supernatural is from God.

7. The Call to Repentance and Relationship

Although God extends compassion on a universal level, Scripture consistently teaches that genuine relationship with Him requires repentance and obedience. This is central to understanding prayer:

• Psalm 66:18: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” This reminds us of the importance of ongoing repentance for meaningful communion with God.

• John 9:31: “We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will.” While God hears everything, this passage highlights the special hearing given to those who seek to do God’s will through faith.

8. Balancing Scriptural Principles

Each biblical principle must be held in balance:

• God’s Character: He is both just and merciful. Even when He allows blessings to come to those who disregard His ways, it is part of a larger redemptive purpose (Romans 8:28–30).

• Human Responsibility: Ultimately, willful disobedience hinders communion with God. True answered prayer of spiritual significance flows from an authentic walk with Him.

• Grace for All: God “wants everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Some who appear to receive answers to prayer while living in sin may eventually recognize God’s goodness and repent.

Conclusion

Proverbs 28:9 underscores that when people deliberately reject God’s revealed commandments, they place themselves outside of His covenant blessings and make a mockery of sincere prayer. Yet, we see that God, in His sovereignty and mercy, sometimes allows the appearance (or reality) of answered prayers for those who disdain His law. Reasons might include a demonstration of His goodness to lead them to repentance, the intercessory prayers of others, or manifestations of common grace.

Ultimately, Scripture teaches that genuine, covenant-based prayer relies on faith, submission to God’s will, and a heart that seeks righteousness. When an openly sinful person experiences apparent blessings, the believer can respond with praise to God for His mercy and patience, while simultaneously urging repentance and a true turning from disobedience. As Romans 2:4 affirms, “Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?”

Hence, no one should be lulled into complacency by material or circumstantial blessings. The highest call is to listen intently to God’s law, repent where necessary, and walk in obedient fellowship with Him.