If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just saying God dislikes insincere prayers; it highlights that ignoring God's commands itself makes even a seemingly devout prayer offensive to Him. It's a stark reminder that obedience is the foundation upon which acceptable worship is built, not just a separate virtue.
If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse sits within a series of contrasting sayings in Proverbs, contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It directly follows a warning against dishonesty in business and precedes further admonitions about anger and misplaced trust. The core idea is that someone who deliberately ignores God's teachings, refusing to listen or obey, renders even their prayers unacceptable to God.
Ever feel like your prayers aren't getting through? This verse points to a reason that might shock you. It’s not about volume, but about attention.
Solomon here uses vivid imagery to describe someone actively rejecting God's guidance.
Deliberate Disregard
Turning away your ear isn't accidental; it's a conscious choice to tune out what God is saying. This isn't just about ignoring religious sermons; it's about disregarding God's principles, His commands, and His wisdom in everyday life. It's choosing not to listen when God speaks through His Word, through circumstances, or even through other people.
The Cost of Ignorance
Some might think that if they don't know what God wants, they won't be held accountable. But Solomon makes it clear: willful ignorance is no excuse. Choosing not to hear God's law is the same as disobeying it. It's like walking into a building with a 'Wet Paint' sign and then claiming innocence because you didn't see the sign.
We often think of prayer as a direct line to God. But what if, under certain conditions, our prayers become offensive to Him?
This is the startling punchline of Proverbs 28:9. When someone deliberately ignores God's law, their prayer isn't just ignored—it's an 'abomination.'
What 'Abomination' Means
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'Abomination' is a strong word. It signifies something detestable, disgusting, and utterly unacceptable. For God, who delights in sincere worship, a prayer offered by someone who has actively rejected His authority is like a foul odor. It's not just a neutral 'no'; it's a repulsive 'get away from me.'
The Disconnect in Worship
God desires authenticity. He wants our whole lives to align with His Word, not just our moments of prayer. When we bring our requests to Him while simultaneously defying His commands, there's a profound disconnect. It's like telling someone you love them while spitting in their face. Such hypocrisy renders the outward act of prayer meaningless and, worse, offensive.
Understand the original words
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
An extreme degree of detestation; that which is morally repulsive or detestable to God, particularly when it contradicts His holiness or His law.
This psalm explicitly states, 'If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.' This directly parallels Proverbs 28:9, highlighting that a heart unwilling to obey God's 'law' makes prayer unacceptable.
John 9:31When the Pharisees question how a man born blind could be healed, Jesus responds, 'We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, him he listens to.' This confirms the principle in Proverbs 28:9: God hears those who seek to do His will, not those who ignore His commands.
Isaiah 1:11-15The prophet Isaiah delivers a scathing rebuke to Israel for their empty religious rituals, stating, 'I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts... When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen.' This vividly illustrates how turning a deaf ear to God's law makes even fervent prayer an 'abomination'.
Proverbs 15:8This verse, a close parallel, states, 'The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent!' Both passages emphasize that outward religious acts, including prayer and sacrifice, are offensive to God when they come from a heart that cherishes sin or disregards His law.
gillProverbs 28:9: "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination."
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law,.... Not merely the moral law, but the word of God in general, and any and every doctrine of it; though the law is to be heard and attended to, what it commands and forbids, its precepts, menaces, and curses: indeed the Spirit of God is not received by the hearing of the law, nor does faith come by that; but by hearing the word of God, parti…
pulpitProverbs 28:9: "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination."
Verse 9. - He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law. He who refuses to hearken to and to practise the dictates of the Divine law (comp Proverbs 1:20. Even his prayer shall be abomination (comp. Proverbs 15:8, and note there). "God heareth not sinners" (John 9:31). Such a man's prayer, if he does pray, is not hearty and sincere, and therefore, lacks the element which alone can make…
This verse isn't just saying God dislikes insincere prayers; it highlights that ignoring God's commands itself makes even a seemingly devout prayer offensive to Him. It's a stark reminder that obedience is the foundation upon which acceptable worship is built, not just a separate virtue.
This verse sits within a series of contrasting sayings in Proverbs, contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It directly follows a warning against dishonesty in business and precedes further admonitions about anger and misplaced trust. The core idea is that someone who deliberately ignores God's teachings, refusing to listen or obey, renders even their prayers unacceptable to God.
This verse sits within a series of contrasting sayings in Proverbs, contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It directly follows a warning against dishonesty in business and precedes further admonitions about anger and misplaced trust. The core idea is that someone who deliberately ignores God's teachings, refusing to listen or obey, renders even their prayers unacceptable to God.
"If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination." — This verse isn't just saying God dislikes insincere prayers; it highlights that ignoring God's commands itself makes even a seemingly devout prayer offensive to Him. It's a stark reminder that obed…
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Last reviewed October 2026