Acceptable Justice and Judgment - Proverbs 21:3

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponder the hearts”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse three of Proverbs Solomon said, “to do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD” where we read,

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

The verse begins, “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD”. Solomon began with the words, “to do justice” or “to fashion, accomplish, make and produce righteousness, truthfulness, justification and salvation” “and judgment” which means “and ordinance, justice, process, procedure and litigation” “is more acceptable” or “exists to a greater degree appointed, chosen and excellent” “to the LORD” which means “toward Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” than the following. Solomon shared how performing righteousness, truthfulness and litigation exists as a great deal more excellent to Jehovah God than the following. 

The verse goes on to say, “than sacrifice.” Solomon continued with the word, “than” or “compared to” “sacrifice”which means “slaughter of a victim for an offering”. Solomon said “doing justice and judgment” is more excellent to Jehovah God compared to making sacrificial offerings. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how making sacrifices in now way compare to obedience to God's truthfulness and righteousness. In other words, rituals and legalism do not preempt obeying God. (See 1 Samuel 15:22) God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, and when we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and show us the value of obeying Him rather than simply following ritual practices of legalism and tradition.

Next time Solomon shares about, “a high look, and a proud heart”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".