In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “he covets greedily all the day long: but the righteous gives and spares not”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse twenty-seven of Proverbs Solomon said, “the sacrifice of the wicked is abomination” where we read,
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination:
how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?
The verse begins, “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination:” Solomon began with the words, “the sacrifice” or “the slaughter of the flesh of a animal victim” “of the wicked” which means “belonging to people who are criminal, guilty of crimes, evil and hostile to God” “is abomination” or “exists as disgusting, idolatrous and abhorrent”. Solomon shared how the offerings of slaughtered animals by evil people who are hostile to God exist as disgusting and idolatrous.
The verse goes on to say, “how much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind?” Solomon continued with the words, “how much more” or “to what greater and abundant degree”, “when he brings it” which means “at the time and moment he, the person whether male or female, carries forth, offers and enters in” “with a wicked mind” or “accompanied by a criminal, guilty of crime, evil and hostile to God plan, devise or licentious and mischievous purpose”? Solomon asked to what greater degree was it disgusting and abhorrent at the time and moment the “wicked” person offers their “sacrifice”with ill intentions and purposes.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how offerings given by “evil” people are disgusting especially when they present them with mischievous purposes. God wants us to present our offerings to Him with a pure and righteous motive, and because He desires to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of making pure and holy “sacrifices” to Him and not like the abhorrent offerings of the “wicked”.
Next time Solomon says, “a false witness shall perish”, 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".
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