To do righteousness and justiceThis phrase emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior and moral integrity. In the Hebrew context, "righteousness" (tsedaqah) and "justice" (mishpat) are foundational to God's character and His expectations for His people. The call to live righteously and justly is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, seen in passages like
Micah 6:8, which states that God requires His people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. The emphasis on these virtues reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to His laws was a demonstration of faithfulness. In the New Testament, Jesus embodies perfect righteousness and justice, fulfilling the law and the prophets (
Matthew 5:17).
is more desirable to the LORD
This phrase highlights God's preference for ethical living over ritualistic practices. The Hebrew word for "desirable" (bachar) implies a choice or preference, indicating that God values moral conduct over religious ceremonies. This sentiment is echoed in1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel tells Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice. The prophets frequently criticized Israel for neglecting justice and righteousness while maintaining religious rituals (Isaiah 1:11-17,Amos 5:21-24). This underscores the biblical principle that God desires a heart aligned with His will rather than mere external compliance.
than sacrifice
Sacrifice was a central aspect of worship in ancient Israel, prescribed in the Mosaic Law as a means of atonement and fellowship with God. However, this phrase suggests that God prioritizes ethical behavior over ritual offerings. The sacrificial system was intended to point to the need for a pure heart and genuine repentance. In the New Testament, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfills the sacrificial system, offering a once-for-all atonement for sin (Hebrews 10:10). This ultimate sacrifice underscores the importance of internal transformation over external rituals, aligning with the message ofProverbs 21:3 that God values righteousness and justice above all.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He ruled Israel and compiled many wise sayings and teachings.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His relationship with Israel and His desire for His people to live righteously.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and religious context in which Proverbs was written, where sacrifices were a central part of worship and religious practice.
Teaching Points
The Priority of Righteousness and JusticeGod values ethical behavior and moral integrity over religious rituals. Our daily actions and decisions should reflect His standards of righteousness and justice.
The Heart of WorshipTrue worship is not just about external rituals but involves living a life that pleases God through justice and righteousness. Our worship should be reflected in how we treat others.
Obedience Over RitualObedience to God's commands and living a life of integrity is more pleasing to God than merely performing religious duties. We should focus on aligning our lives with God's will.
Practical RighteousnessRighteousness and justice should be evident in our interactions with others. This includes fairness, honesty, and compassion in our personal and professional lives.
Reflecting God's CharacterAs believers, we are called to reflect God's character in our actions. This means prioritizing justice and righteousness in all aspects of life, as these are attributes of God Himself.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:3?
2.How can we prioritize "righteousness and justice" in our daily decisions?
3.Why does Proverbs 21:3 value "righteousness and justice" over sacrifices?
4.How does Proverbs 21:3 connect with Jesus' teachings on the greatest commandments?
5.What practical steps ensure our actions align with God's desire for justice?
6.How can Proverbs 21:3 guide our interactions with others in the community?
7.How does Proverbs 21:3 define righteousness and justice in a modern context?
8.Why does Proverbs 21:3 prioritize righteousness and justice over sacrifices?
9.What historical context influenced the message of Proverbs 21:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21?
11.What defines punitive justice?
12.How can Psalm 1's vision of immediate justice be reconciled with biblical accounts like Job, where the righteous suffer while the wicked seem to prosper?
13.Why do you hypocritically ignore justice, mercy, and faithfulness?
14.What does 'God is just' mean?What Does Proverbs 21:3 Mean
To doThe verse opens with action. God calls for obedience that moves beyond feelings or words.
•James 1:22 urges believers to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” echoing this call to active faith.
• Jesus frames discipleship inMatthew 7:24 as building on a rock only when we “hear these words of Mine and act on them.”
•1 John 3:18 reminds us that love shows itself “in deed and in truth.”
Doing, not merely intending, is what God seeks.
Righteousness and justiceScripture couples these two ideas often, showing their inseparability.
•Micah 6:8 lists “to act justly” and “to love mercy” among the Lord’s clear requirements.
•Isaiah 1:17 commands, “Learn to do right; seek justice.”
•Amos 5:24 pictures righteousness and justice flowing together “like an ever-flowing stream.”
Righteousness points to personal integrity before God; justice ensures that integrity spills over into fair treatment of others.
Is more desirableGod’s pleasure is unmistakable. He values moral obedience above ritual performance.
•1 Samuel 15:22 makes the point plain: “To obey is better than sacrifice.”
•Hosea 6:6 records God’s heart: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
• Jesus inMark 12:33 says loving God and neighbor “is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
When we align with His heart, we give Him what He truly desires.
To the LORDThe focus lies on relationship. Acts of righteousness and justice are offered to a Person, not to a principle.
•Psalm 51:16-17 shows that the Lord delights in a “broken and contrite heart” more than offerings.
•Hebrews 13:16 tells believers, “With such sacrifices God is well pleased,” linking good works directly to God’s approval.
The verse reminds us that obedience is relational worship.
Than sacrificeOld-covenant sacrifices were God-given, yet they were never ends in themselves.
•Psalm 40:6-8 speaks of God’s preference for a heart ready to do His will over burnt offerings.
• Jesus rebukes the Pharisees inMatthew 23:23 for meticulous tithing while neglecting “the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”
Ritual without righteous living offends the One it claims to honor.
summaryProverbs 21:3 teaches that God prizes practical, relational obedience—living out righteousness and justice—far above any external religious formality. True worship shows itself in daily choices that mirror His character, satisfying His heart more than any ritual could.
(3)
To do justice and judgment, &c--See above on
Proverbs 10:2.
Is more acceptable than sacrifice.--See above on 15:8.
Verse 3. -
To do justice and judgment ismore acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. The superiority of moral obedience to ceremonial worship is often inculcated (see note on Proverbs 15:8, and below, ver. 27; and comp.
Micah 6:6-8 and
Matthew 12:7). "Justice" and "judgment" (
tsedakah and
mishpat) are combined in
Genesis 18:19;
2 Samuel 8:15;
Job 37:23;
Isaiah 56:1, etc. They imply equity and justice proceeding, not from bare regard to law, but from the principle of love. Septuagint, "To do justify and to speak the truth are more pleasing to God than the blood of sacrifices."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
To doעֲ֭שֹׂה(‘ă·śōh)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213:To do, makerighteousnessצְדָקָ֣ה(ṣə·ḏā·qāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6666:Rightness, subjectively, objectivelyand justiceוּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט(ū·miš·pāṭ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, styleis more desirableנִבְחָ֖ר(niḇ·ḥār)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 977:To try, selectto the LORDלַיהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelthan sacrifice.מִזָּֽבַח׃(miz·zā·ḇaḥ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2077:A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more (Prov. Pro Pr) 
