Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the lawThis phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments. In the context of ancient Israel, "the law" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's instructions for His people. Turning away from the law implies a deliberate choice to ignore or reject God's guidance. This is reminiscent of
Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are outlined based on obedience or disobedience to God's law. The act of turning away suggests a hardened heart, similar to the Israelites' rebellion in the wilderness (
Numbers 14:22-23). In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a rejection of God's authority, which is echoed in the New Testament when Jesus speaks of those who hear His words but do not act on them (
Matthew 7:26-27).
even his prayer is detestable
This part of the verse highlights the seriousness of disregarding God's law. In biblical times, prayer was a central aspect of worship and communication with God. However, the effectiveness of prayer is contingent upon the righteousness of the individual (James 5:16). When one turns away from God's commandments, their prayers become unacceptable, akin to the sacrifices of the wicked, which are an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 15:8). This reflects the principle that God desires obedience over ritual (1 Samuel 15:22). The term "detestable" underscores the severity of the offense, indicating that God does not merely ignore such prayers but finds them repugnant. This concept is further illustrated inIsaiah 1:15, where God refuses to listen to the prayers of those who persist in sin. The verse serves as a warning that a relationship with God requires both faith and obedience, a theme that is consistent throughout Scripture.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
IsraelThe nation to whom the Law was given. The Israelites were expected to live according to God's commandments as revealed in the Torah.
3.
The LawRefers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments and instructions for His people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ObedienceObedience to God's law is crucial for a healthy relationship with Him. Ignoring His commandments can lead to spiritual consequences, including unanswered prayers.
The Role of the Heart in PrayerGod desires sincerity and righteousness in our prayers. A heart that disregards His law cannot expect to be heard favorably.
The Consequences of DisobedienceTurning away from God's law not only affects our spiritual life but also our communication with Him. It is essential to align our lives with His will.
Self-ExaminationRegularly examine your life to ensure you are not turning away from God's instructions. This self-reflection helps maintain a strong connection with God.
The Call to RepentanceIf you find yourself straying from God's law, repentance is key. God is merciful and willing to restore those who return to Him with a contrite heart.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:9?
2.How does Proverbs 28:9 warn against ignoring God's law in prayer life?
3.What actions might cause one's prayer to be considered "detestable" according to Proverbs 28:9?
4.How can we ensure our prayers align with God's law as Proverbs 28:9 advises?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of obedience in effective prayer?
6.How can we apply Proverbs 28:9 to evaluate our current spiritual practices?
7.What does Proverbs 28:9 imply about the relationship between obedience and prayer?
8.How does Proverbs 28:9 challenge the sincerity of one's faith?
9.Why does Proverbs 28:9 emphasize the importance of following the law?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 28?
11.If ignoring the law makes one’s prayers detestable (Proverbs 28:9), how do we account for apparent answered prayers among those who openly violate biblical commands?
12.Why are the wicked's prayers considered an abomination?
13.Why are the wicked's prayers considered an abomination?
14.What is the order of the Bible's books?What Does Proverbs 28:9 Mean
Whoever• The verse opens with an all-inclusive word. No one—religious or irreligious—stands outside its reach.
•Romans 3:23 reminds us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” so the warning applies equally to every heart.
•John 3:16 shows God’s universal invitation, yetProverbs 28:9 shows a universal accountability: the same “whoever” invited to believe is the “whoever” cautioned here.
turns his ear away• This is deliberate, not accidental.Zechariah 7:11 pictures people who “stopped up their ears,” andActs 7:57 shows hearers literally covering their ears—both vivid portraits of willful refusal.
• Turning the ear is turning the heart.Matthew 13:15 connects dull ears with a calloused heart, stressing that indifference to God’s voice springs from inner resistance, not mere distraction.
• It is a conscious decision to step out from under God’s authority.
from hearing the law• “The law” points to God’s revealed word—the commands, principles, and gospel truths He has spoken.Deuteronomy 5:1 urges, “Hear, O Israel,” andJoshua 1:8 calls us to meditate on Scripture “day and night.”
• In biblical thinking, to “hear” is to obey.James 1:22 cautions that hearing without doing produces self-deception.
• Neglect of Scripture is therefore more than a lapse in study habits; it is rebellion against the living God who speaks.
even his prayer is detestable• A person who refuses God’s word finds God refusing his words.Psalm 66:18 states, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”
•Isaiah 1:15 depicts God hiding His eyes from hands lifted in empty ritual, andIsaiah 59:2 explains why: “your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God.”
•John 9:31 sums it up: “We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He listens to the godly man who does His will.”1 Peter 3:12 echoes the same principle.
• Prayer that disregards obedience is hypocrisy; God finds it “detestable”—a strong word showing moral revulsion, not mere disapproval.
summaryProverbs 28:9 draws a straight line between the way we treat God’s word and the way God treats our prayers. Everyone is summoned to listen, but if we purposely block our ears to His commands, our prayers hit a closed heaven. Genuine communion with God flows from hearts that welcome His voice and walk in His ways.
(9)
Even his prayer shall be abomination.--See above on
Proverbs 15:8.
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 it acceptable. He will not resolve to forsake his favourite sin, even while paying outward worship to the God whoso Law he breaks: what wonder that the prophet so sternly denounces such offenders (
Isaiah 1:11. etc.), and the psalmist cries with terrible rigour, "When he shall be judged, let him be condemned; and let his prayer become sin" (
Psalm 109:7)? St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 10:27), "Our heart blames us in offering up our prayers, when it calls to mind that it is set in opposition to the precepts of him whom it implores, and the prayer becomes abomination, when there is a 'turning away' from the control of the Law; in that wrily it is meet that a man should be a stranger to the favours of him to whose bidding he will not be subject." And again (ibid., 18:9, 10), "If that which he bids we do, that which we ask we shall obtain. For with God both these two do of necessity match with one another exactly, that practice should be sustained by prayer, and prayer by practice" (Oxford transl.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whoever turnsמֵסִ֣יר(mê·sîr)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5493:To turn asidehis ear {away}אָ֭זְנוֹ(’ā·zə·nōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 241:Broadness, the earfrom hearingמִשְּׁמֹ֣עַ(miš·šə·mō·a‘)Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlythe law,תּוֹרָ֑ה(tō·w·rāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8451:Direction, instruction, lawevenגַּֽם־(gam-)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andhis prayerתְּ֝פִלָּת֗וֹ(tə·p̄il·lā·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8605:Intercession, supplication, a hymnis detestable.תּוֹעֵבָֽה׃(tō·w·‘ê·ḇāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8441:Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol
Links
Proverbs 28:9 NIVProverbs 28:9 NLTProverbs 28:9 ESVProverbs 28:9 NASBProverbs 28:9 KJV
Proverbs 28:9 BibleApps.comProverbs 28:9 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 28:9 Chinese BibleProverbs 28:9 French BibleProverbs 28:9 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:9 He who turns away his ear (Prov. Pro Pr)