The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight (Prov 15:8).
The Hebrew translated “abomination” literally means something which is quite disgusting in nature. It is a reason we are told by Jesus that a gift left at the altar is not acceptable to God if a person leaving the gift fails to attempt reconciliation to the best of one’s ability with another who holds an offense (Matthew 5:23,24). This proverb emphasizes a principle found throughout OT and NT scriptures in a great multitude of ways, namely that those wishing to worship and serve God in a way that is acceptable and results in blessing by God must do so with a pure heart and righteous life. A righteous life embraces living in a manner at peace not only with God but with others to the extent that doing so depends on us to whatever degree is possible. The psalmist tells us, “Who may ascent the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart…..He will receive blessing from the LORD” (Psalm 24:3-5). To have clean hands indicates having done everything possible to live in harmony and at peace with others short of violating the commands of God. And a pure heart relates to having motives that are godly and includes not holding unforgiveness and resentment toward others. We are given a stern warning in this regard by Jesus, namely that failing to forgive another for their offense against us will risk not receiving forgiveness from God for our own sins (Matthew 6:14,15). This warning is seldom given adequate emphasis from pulpits. As a consequence, an untold multitude in our churches of America hold bitterness toward other believers if the truth be known and seldom give sober thought to the fact that they risk their own justification in the eyes of God and will someday stand in judgment. Sadly, I know of pastors who are holding resentment and unforgiveness toward others, deceived as to their own righteous standing with God. It would seem at times that the most deceived are those who do not believe deception by Satan is possible. Proverbs 15:10 warns that “harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die.” The ways of God must never be viewed as suggestions, but rather as commands to be obeyed. There is such a serious lack of reverence and holy fear regarding the presence of God and due respect for His commands in our churches. The inspired Word of God can easily be treated with negligence even as it is taught line upon line and precept upon precept. For example, Paul warns taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner such as failing to repent for known sin serves to drink judgment on oneself and even explains why some are sick and others died (1 Corinthians 11:27-30). Yet one rarely sees anyone abstain from participating in the Lord’s Supper in these last days, irrespective of denomination, despite what they are doing is “abomination to the LORD.” Jesus tells us, “The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28,29). Many believe in the false security known as ‘eternal security’ and have total disregard for these words of Christ. For it will be our walk, not our talk, which will influence the eternal outcome of our lives. If our prayers are to be a delight to the LORD, let us take care to avoid the sin of presumption by assuming that any sacrifice we make is pleasing to God, lest our actions be rituals which do not reflect inward holiness and righteousness in the eyes of One to whom we must someday give account as to whether we advanced the kingdom of heaven on earth.
