God despises hypocrisy in worship and longs for offerings rooted in authentic devotion.
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent!” (Proverbs 21:27). King Solomon, who ruled Israel from about 970 to 930 BC, uses strong language here to convey that God despises offerings brought by people whose hearts remain set on evil. The term abomination indicates something utterly repulsive to God, implying that any form of outward worship from those who remain hostile to His ways is offensive. The second half of the verse, How much more when he brings it with evil intent!, amplifies this warning by pointing out the even greater seriousness of worship performed with insincere or manipulative motives.
This principle resonates with the LORD’s rejection of Israel’s hollow religious ceremonies in Amos: “I hate, I reject your festivals…” (Amos 5:21). There, God makes clear He finds no delight in worship offered by those who continue to practice social injustice and disobedience. By linking the impurity of the worshiper’s heart to the worthlessness of the sacrifice, Scripture draws attention to the underlying issue of hypocrisy. Similarly, Jesus criticized the Pharisees who performed religious acts for show (Mark 7:6-7), reminding us that God cares most about genuine obedience and reverence.
Ultimately, Proverbs 21:27 affirms that God looks past the outward ritual to assess the inner posture of the worshiper. Sacrificial offerings, or any form of devotion, become pleasing to the LORD only when they arise out of contrite, humble hearts seeking to walk in righteousness. To continue in sin while trying to placate God with token gestures misrepresents His holy character and undermines the very purpose of worship—intimate fellowship and grateful submission to Him.
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Proverbs 21:27 meaning
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent!” (Proverbs 21:27). King Solomon, who ruled Israel from about 970 to 930 BC, uses strong language here to convey that God despises offerings brought by people whose hearts remain set on evil. The term abomination indicates something utterly repulsive to God, implying that any form of outward worship from those who remain hostile to His ways is offensive. The second half of the verse, How much more when he brings it with evil intent!, amplifies this warning by pointing out the even greater seriousness of worship performed with insincere or manipulative motives.
This principle resonates with the LORD’s rejection of Israel’s hollow religious ceremonies in Amos: “I hate, I reject your festivals…” (Amos 5:21). There, God makes clear He finds no delight in worship offered by those who continue to practice social injustice and disobedience. By linking the impurity of the worshiper’s heart to the worthlessness of the sacrifice, Scripture draws attention to the underlying issue of hypocrisy. Similarly, Jesus criticized the Pharisees who performed religious acts for show (Mark 7:6-7), reminding us that God cares most about genuine obedience and reverence.
Ultimately, Proverbs 21:27 affirms that God looks past the outward ritual to assess the inner posture of the worshiper. Sacrificial offerings, or any form of devotion, become pleasing to the LORD only when they arise out of contrite, humble hearts seeking to walk in righteousness. To continue in sin while trying to placate God with token gestures misrepresents His holy character and undermines the very purpose of worship—intimate fellowship and grateful submission to Him.