Proverbs 15:8 Meaning and Explanation
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God rejects the offerings of the wicked but delights in the prayers of the righteous.
The Context of Proverbs 15:8
Divine acceptance rests on the alignment of the worshiper's life with righteousness, not on the offering itself.
What Does Proverbs 15:8 Mean?
This verse draws a sharp line: external religious action from someone living wickedly is abomination. Sacrifice without righteousness is hollow. By contrast, the simple prayer of someone walking upright is God's delight—far more valuable than any ritual from the unrighteous.
The implication is that God cares about the condition of the heart, not merely the performance of ritual. A wicked person may go through the motions, but God's response is rejection. An upright person's honest words are precious to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 15:8
What does Proverbs 15:8 mean?
God rejects the offerings of the wicked but delights in the prayers of the righteous.
What is the context of Proverbs 15:8?
Divine acceptance rests on the alignment of the worshiper's life with righteousness, not on the offering itself.