Proverbs 28:9

KJV

¶ He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that turneth away {H5493} his ear {H241} from hearing {H8085} the law {H8451}, even his prayer {H8605} shall be abomination {H8441}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a person will not listen to Torah, even his prayer is an abomination.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.

American Standard Version

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:9 delivers a profound and sobering warning: an individual who deliberately and willfully disregards or rejects God's revealed instruction, His "law," cannot expect their prayers to be acceptable to Him. Instead, such prayers are deemed an "abomination" in the sight of the Lord, underscoring the critical and inseparable link between a posture of obedience to divine truth and the efficacy and acceptance of one's spiritual devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is part of the larger collection of Solomonic wisdom, offering practical and moral instruction for righteous living. The book consistently contrasts the path of the wise, who heed God's instruction, with that of the foolish, who reject it. This particular chapter focuses on themes of justice, righteousness, the consequences of wicked leadership, and the blessings of integrity. Verse 9 fits seamlessly into this framework by highlighting a specific manifestation of foolishness—the deliberate refusal to listen to God's law—and its severe spiritual consequence, emphasizing that true wisdom involves not just knowing but also obeying God's commands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "the law" (Hebrew: *Torah*) was not merely a collection of legal statutes but encompassed the entirety of God's divine instruction, His covenant principles, and the revealed will given to His people, primarily through Moses (e.g., [the Pentateuch](/deuteronomy/5 "Deuteronomy 5 - The Ten Commandments")). This *Torah* was the foundation of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, guiding every aspect of life from worship to social justice. Prayer was understood as a vital means of communion with God, a privilege granted to those in covenant relationship. However, the prophets frequently condemned ritualistic worship that was divorced from genuine obedience and justice, indicating that God valued a sincere heart of submission more than outward religious performance (e.g., [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Insincere Worship")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in biblical theology. Firstly, it establishes **Obedience as a Prerequisite for Acceptable Worship**, asserting that genuine communion with God is inextricably linked to a willingness to listen to and align one's life with His commands. It's not about earning salvation, but about the heart's posture of submission and sincerity. Secondly, it highlights **The Seriousness of Deliberate Disobedience**, where "turning away his ear from hearing the law" implies an intentional, willful rejection of God's truth, rather than mere ignorance. Such a stance makes even outwardly religious acts, like prayer, detestable to a holy God, echoing sentiments found in [Isaiah 1:15](/isaiah/1-15 "Isaiah 1:15 - God Hides His Eyes from Insincere Prayers"). Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Sincerity Versus Hypocrisy**, revealing that God looks beyond mere ritual to the heart's condition. A prayer offered without a genuine desire to align one's life with God's will is empty and offensive to Him, challenging the notion that prayer is a magical formula and emphasizing instead the necessity of a repentant and obedient spirit, as seen in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better than Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turneth away (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** From H5493, this verb signifies "to turn off (literal or figurative); to decline, depart, eschew, remove, or withdraw." In this context, it denotes a deliberate, volitional act of moving away from, or actively rejecting, something. It's not a passive ignorance but an intentional refusal to engage or listen.
* **law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** From H8451, this term broadly means "a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch." It refers to God's divine instruction, His revealed will, and the authoritative teaching given to His people. It encompasses the entirety of God's guidance for righteous living and covenant relationship.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** From H8441, this powerful feminine noun signifies "something disgusting (morally), an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol." It is a strong term used throughout the Old Testament to describe practices, behaviors, or objects that are utterly detestable, repugnant, and morally offensive to God due to their violation of His holy character and righteous standards. Its use here underscores the extreme severity of willful disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law":** This clause describes the character and action of the individual. "Turning away his ear" is a vivid **metonymy** for a deliberate refusal to listen, understand, and obey. It implies an intentional rejection of God's revealed will, His "law" (Torah). The act of "hearing" (Hebrew: *shama'*) in this context goes beyond mere auditory perception; it encompasses attentive listening that leads to understanding and, crucially, obedience. Thus, this person actively chooses to disregard and disengage from God's authoritative instruction.
* **"even his prayer [shall be] abomination":** This clause states the severe consequence of such willful disobedience. Even an act as seemingly pious and spiritual as prayer, which is typically a means of communion and supplication to God, becomes "abomination" (*to'evah*). This strong term signifies something utterly detestable and morally repugnant to God. It highlights that God values a heart of genuine submission and obedience over outward religious ritual. Prayer offered from a heart that deliberately rejects God's commands is seen as hypocritical, insincere, and offensive to His holy character.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 28:9 employs several literary devices to convey its stark message. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "turneth away his ear," where the "ear" stands for the entire person's attention, willingness to listen, and ultimately, their obedience. This emphasizes that the rejection is not merely intellectual but volitional and deeply rooted in the individual's disposition. The use of **Hyperbole** is striking in declaring prayer an "abomination." This strong exaggeration underscores the extreme severity of willful disobedience in God's eyes, indicating that such a posture renders even sacred acts utterly detestable rather than merely ineffective. Finally, there is an implicit **Contrast** between acceptable and unacceptable prayer. The verse highlights that true worship and effective prayer flow from a heart submitted to God's authority, standing in sharp contrast to the hypocrisy of those who perform religious rituals while actively despising His commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb articulates a fundamental principle woven throughout Scripture: God desires genuine obedience and a submissive heart more than mere outward religious performance. It reveals that the quality of our relationship with God, characterized by our willingness to heed His Word, directly impacts the efficacy and acceptance of our worship and prayers. A life lived in deliberate defiance of God's revealed will creates a barrier to true communion, rendering even the most devout-seeming acts offensive to His holiness. This truth serves as a powerful reminder that God is not impressed by ritual divorced from righteousness, but seeks sincere devotion that flows from a life aligned with His truth.

* [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.")
* [John 9:31](/john/9-31 "John 9:31 - God hears those who worship Him and do His will.")
* [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God Rejects Insincere Sacrifices and Prayers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:9 serves as a crucial and challenging reminder for believers today, urging us to deeply examine the posture of our hearts. It compels us to ask: Is our prayer life genuinely accompanied by a sincere desire to understand, embrace, and obey God's Word? This verse emphasizes that true worship and effective prayer are not isolated spiritual disciplines but flow organically from a life submitted to God's authority and a willingness to align our actions with His truth. It calls us beyond mere religious observance to a holistic faith where our devotion is sincere, our lives reflect the God we claim to serve, and our obedience is not a burden but a joyful response to His love. We are encouraged to be not just hearers, but also doers of the Word, ensuring that our spiritual practices are rooted in a heart that genuinely desires to honor and follow God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "turning away my ear" from God's clear instructions in His Word?**
* **How does my daily life and obedience reflect the sincerity of my prayers and worship?**
* **Am I genuinely seeking to align my will with God's, or am I treating prayer as a means to get my own way without true submission?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart more attentive and obedient to God's law?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean God never hears the prayers of any sinner?**

Answer: Not necessarily in the broad sense of someone who is imperfect or struggles with sin. The key phrase is "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law," which implies a *deliberate, willful, and persistent rejection* of God's revealed will and instruction. It speaks to a heart hardened against God's truth, not merely someone who occasionally stumbles or is in a state of general sinfulness. God hears the cry of the repentant sinner (e.g., [Psalm 34:17-18](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17-18 - The Lord Hears the Righteous and the Brokenhearted")), and He desires all to come to repentance (e.g., [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")). This proverb specifically warns against the hypocrisy of attempting to approach God in prayer while simultaneously and intentionally despising His commands.

**What does "turning away his ear" truly imply in this context?**

Answer: "Turning away his ear" signifies a deliberate and intentional act of refusal to listen, understand, and obey God's "law" or instruction. It's not about accidental ignorance or a momentary lapse. Instead, it describes a hardened heart that actively chooses to disregard divine truth, perhaps out of rebellion, stubbornness, or a preference for one's own way. This posture of willful disobedience indicates a lack of reverence for God and His authority, making any outward religious act, like prayer, a hollow and offensive gesture.

**Is all prayer from disobedient people an abomination to God?**

Answer: The verse specifically targets those who *willfully* turn away from God's law. This is distinct from someone who is struggling with sin but genuinely seeking God, or someone who is ignorant of God's ways but open to truth. God is merciful and compassionate, and He invites all to come to Him, especially in repentance (e.g., [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). However, for those who knowingly and persistently reject His commands while attempting to engage in religious practices, their actions are deemed an "abomination" because they lack sincerity and a genuine desire to submit to His will. It underscores that God values the heart's true posture over mere ritual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:9 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied obedience to God's law and provides the sole means by which our prayers can be acceptable to the Father. While the proverb highlights the consequence of human disobedience, Christ stands as the perfectly obedient Son, who did not turn His ear away from hearing the Father's will but rather declared, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He fulfilled the demands of the law on our behalf ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), and through His atoning sacrifice, He removed the barrier of sin and disobedience that separates humanity from God. Now, through faith in Him, believers are declared righteous, not based on their own perfect obedience, but on His imputed righteousness ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). It is by virtue of our union with Christ, who is our great High Priest and Mediator ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")), that we gain access to the Father and our prayers, offered in His name, are heard and accepted, no longer an abomination but a pleasing aroma to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice as a Fragrant Offering")). The Holy Spirit, given through Christ, enables us to walk in new obedience, transforming our hearts so that we might genuinely desire to hear and follow God's law, making our prayers true expressions of a life submitted to Him ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-4 - Life Through the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 66:18

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:

2 Timothy 4:3

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Timothy 4:4

And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Isaiah 1:16

¶ Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

Zechariah 7:11

But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

Zechariah 7:13

Therefore it is come to pass, [that] as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts: