Proverbs 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. The opposition here implied is twofold, relating, first to the character, and then to the consequence, of two varieties or extremes of prayer. "The sacrifice of the wicked" will be one of two things; it will either be what we may designate the sacrifice of falsehood, or what Holy Scripture has denounced as "the sacrifice of fools." The latter are outlined in one brief, but most emphatic phrase — "they consider not that they do evil." The evil lies in their not considering. The term applies to all heedless and unreflecting worship; that which neither occupies the understanding, nor affects the heart. And the absence of consideration within the house of God is itself equivalent to rebellion. Directly opposed to the "sacrifice of the wicked," we have "the prayer of the upright." This implies sincerity; then solemn, serious, and devout consideration. "Upright" here does not denote a perfection of moral integrity; which is rarely, if ever, found in men. A sacrifice of falsehood is the act of the outward; the sacrifice of truth is the act of the inward man. The "prayer of the upright" is based upon consideration, and reflection. It is first the offspring, and then the companion, of thought. (Thomas Dale, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. |
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