A wicked man's sacrifice is already abomination; sacrifice offered as cover for further evil is worse still.
The theme of worship and ethics returns intensified in Proverbs 21:27: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent! (v. 27). The verse picks up the theme of verse 3 and intensifies it.
Sacrifice from a wicked life is already abomination to the LORD. Sacrifice offered as a cover for further evil—as a religious gesture intended to bless or distract from a continuing scheme—is worse still.
The verse names a specific religious abuse: using worship to launder wickedness. God is not deceived by it. The righteousness of the worshipper matters as much as the act of worship.
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Proverbs 21:27 meaning
The theme of worship and ethics returns intensified in Proverbs 21:27: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, How much more when he brings it with evil intent! (v. 27). The verse picks up the theme of verse 3 and intensifies it.
Sacrifice from a wicked life is already abomination to the LORD. Sacrifice offered as a cover for further evil—as a religious gesture intended to bless or distract from a continuing scheme—is worse still.
The verse names a specific religious abuse: using worship to launder wickedness. God is not deceived by it. The righteousness of the worshipper matters as much as the act of worship.