Proverbs 15:8–9 (NKJV) — 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves him who follows righteousness.

Abominable ways and sacrifices. God has no pleasure in gifts from ungodly people, for He has no pleasure in their motives (ways). (See Deuteronomy 23:18; Proverbs 28:9.) But just as God abhors the sacrifices of the wicked because He hates their ways, He delights in the prayers of the righteous because He loves their way of life. If for no other reason, this truth should be a motivation to prayer: it brings delight to God.

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