Proverbs 15:8

8. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination This is one of the most important sayings in the book. “Sacrifice,” as it was the chief of ceremonial observances under the old dispensation, here stands for the whole of them; and this proverb is as much as to say, that no ceremonial observance of a wicked man can be acceptable to God; nay, more, they are abomination in his sight. Of course, it is implied that the man is a sinner in the proper sense of that word; not a penitent, seeking forgiveness, but one who, notwithstanding his ceremonious worship, adheres to sin in his heart, and practices it in his life; moreover, that he offers this external worship as sufficient in itself for acceptance, instead of moral qualities of heart and life. All such substitution of ceremonials for moral qualities, for purity of heart and righteousness of life, are an abomination to Jehovah. So he has declared over and over again by his prophets in the old, and by his Son and his apostles under the new, dispensation. However pleasing such sacrifices may be from a man of pure heart and upright life, or from one hungering and thirsting after righteousness, they are as the oblations of Cain and Balaam when unaccompanied with purity or penitence. But the prayer (worship) of the upright is his delight

Vainly we offer each ample oblation;

Vainly with gifts would his favour secure;

Richer by far is the heart’s adoration;

Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

Comp. Proverbs 21:27; Proverbs 28:9; also Proverbs 15:9 below; Isaiah 1:11; Isaiah 1:15; Isaiah 61:8; Isaiah 66:2. et seq.; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6; Micah 6:8; Jeremiah 6:20, et seq.; Jeremiah 7:21; Psalms 40:6-7; Psalms 51:16; Amos 5:22; and on second clause, Luke 18:11, et seq.