He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination. – KJV
One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. – NKJV
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law [of God and man], even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting [to God]. – AMPC
If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. – ESV
God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to him. – MSG
One who turns his ear away from listening to the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. – NASB
When anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayer is detestable. – NCB
If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. – NIV
If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. – RSV
When reading this verse from Proverbs, can you explain what is meant by the law (and abomination)? Since there are many different translations utilized by those who open the Bible, many of the most popular have been shared here for full context of this verse.
Arguably, two of the worst (loosest) translations used by ‘Christians’, being The Message (lazy man’s version) and NIV (popular with various Protestant churches) don’t even use the properly translated English words, law or abomination in the verse. The Message paraphrases the translation of ‘law’ to that of one who simply won’t listen (nothing to see here) and the NIV is one who does not listen to instruction (instructions give options of other choice). There is a disconnect in context for anyone who simply will not listen to instruction and one who does not hear the LAW. This should make one ask; why is the disconnect allowed from the pulpits? Why would a translation be so careless instead of giving the proper context and intent of the Author?
The reason for this is it makes the Protestant ‘Christian’ ‘church’ “believe in” (go to heaven) false teaching and “not of works” message every Sunday pleasant to the ears.
3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires,
2 Timothy 4:3 (NASB) (emphasis mine)
This is also meant for selling Bibles to ‘Christians’ who want Scripture to be an “easy” read. In essence, the eyes are being tickled as well, and thus the mind.
Because of these translations used by ‘Christianity’, verses such as Ephesians 2:8-9 cannot be understood with proper context and intent.
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God — 9 not because of works, lest any man should boast.
NKJV
Since Scripture does not contradict itself, Ephesians is preached and Revelation 20:12 which reveals by what measure man is judged is not shared during Sunday sermons.
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
NKJV emphasis mine
The Roman Catholic Bible has ‘law’ translated properly, however, Catholics are taught to follow the laws of their church, which not so coincidentally abolished the second ‘law’ of the Ten Commandments from their catechism and split the 10th in two, maintaining Ten Commandments. Had they expelled the commandment without keeping the illusion of ten, this atrocity obviously would have been noticed. For anyone wondering why this was done, simply walk into any Catholic church and the answer is in plain sight. The Roman Catholic Church has also developed a jewelry line for Mary claiming she has become an omnipresent deity able to hear prayers. And yes, our Catholic family and friends actually believe this!
Unfortunately, VERY FEW who call themselves ‘Christian’ know what the ‘LAW’' is that is spoken of in Proverbs 28:9. And if one does not know what the ‘law' is, following is not possible which means the ear has been turned. The personal consequence should be heavily considered, which is shared in the same verse; even his prayer shall be an ‘abomination’.
Consider this verse and ask yourself, have you turned your ear? Understanding word meanings when reading Scripture is imperative. Simply reading, no matter which translation is used, without knowledge of word meanings will not bring context and intent of the Author to full consideration. The best starting point is Strong’s Concordance which is shared below. There are other resources which compliment Strong’s, one of which is shared here to assist you in deciphering Proverbs 28:9.
This article will tie everything together at the end but will not go into deep explanation because we individually need to do the work and this will only be something you will want to take on if God is calling you.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:14 (NKJV)
The study information shared is only a guide for those who do not want their prayers to end up being an abomination!
LAW is Strong’s #H8451 = תּוֹרָה tôwrâh, to-raw'; or תֹּרָה tôrâh; from H3384; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch: —law.
H3384 = יָרָה yârâh, yaw-raw'; or (2 Chronicles 26:15) יָרָא yârâʼ; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water (i.e. to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e. to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by aiming the finger), to teach:—(+) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through.
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament; törä. Law, teaching. ASV always "law," RSV sometimes "teaching," "instruction" and "decisions." The word is used some 221 times. Teaching is the special task of the wisdom school as seen especially through the book of Prov and of the priesthood. The latter accompanies a revealed religion. The priests are to teach the law given by Moses (Lev 10: 11; Deut 33: 10); e.g. King Jehoash acted uprightly because he was instructed by the high priest (II Kgs 12:2 [H 3]). Ezra the priest faithfully taught the Law of Moses in the fall Feast of Tabernacles in accordance with the Deuteronomic injunction (Deut 31:9-11; Ezr 8:Iff.). Unfortunately the priests were not always true to God; they taught for money and became teachers of lies (lsa 9: I 5 [H 14]; Mic 3: 11). Similarly an idol is deemed "a teacher of lies" (Hab 2: ISf.) ….. CONTINUED; God himself is particularly described as a teacher. He taught Moses both what to do and say (Ex 4: 15). He also teaches sinners the right way (Ps 25:8) and instructs those who fear him in the way they should choose (Ps 25: 12). Therefore the Psalmist often beseeches God to teach him so that he may keep the statutes and walk in the way of truth (Ps 27:11; 86:11; 119:33; cf. Job 6:24; 34:32). In the last days God promises the people of Jerusalem a teacher whom they will behold (lsa 30:20). The nations also will come to Jerusalem so that God might teach them (lsa 2:3). No wonder Jesus, as God incarnate, assumed the title of teacher and performed much of his ministry as a teacher.
‘Scope of the Word’; ….. CONTINUED; Specifically law refers to any set of regulations; e.g., Ex 12 contains the law in regard to observing the Passover. Some other specific laws include those for the various offerings (Lev 7:37), for leprosy (Lev 14:57) and for jealousy (Num 5:29). In this light law is often considered to consist of statutes, ordinances, precepts, commandments, and testimonies.
‘Law and Covenant’; …. CONTINUED; References to the written law or the law of Moses are numerous in the historical books.
‘Law at the Time of Ezra and Nehemiah’; In the postexilic community under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, the law became central to the community's life. Both men struck out at the lax, selfish lives the people were Iiving and sought to turn them back to the true worship of God through having the law taught. Ezra read the law before the assembly and interpreted it so that the people were sure to understand its application (Neh 8:2--8). Upon hearing the law the people wept (Neh 8:9). But Nehemiah and Ezra comforted the people and led them to celebrate the feast of booths according to the law (Neh 8: 13-17) as Moses had ordered to be done (Deut 31:10-11). Each day of the feast the law was read (Neh 8: 18). Afterwards they repented of their sins and made a covenant to follow the entire law (Neh 9:3; 10:29-31). The activities of these two men led the people back to God, and their use of the law became formative for the community's life with effects lasting even past the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
‘Praise for the Law’; Some psalms render praise to the law. The chief, of course, is Ps 119. The Psalmist yearns for understanding in order that he can keep the law, the object of his delight and love (vv. 1, 61, 92). Psalm 19 speaks about God communicating his glory through the heavens and through his spoken word. The latter communicates directly and specifically God's will. The law turns (Rsv "reviving the soul") the whole person to God. Thereby it enlightens, makes wise and is a cause of rejoicing (vv. 7--8 [H 8-9)). lt also warn against evil and prevents one from inadvertently turning from God (v. 11 [H 12)). No wonder its value is higher than the finest gold and its taste sweeter than honey (v. 10 [H 11)).
‘The Law in the Coming Age’; Because of Israel's constant disobedience, the prophets looked for a time when once again the law, directly from God, would go forth from Jerusalem (Isa 2:3). Then God himself will both teach and judge according to the law. Such is a part of the suffering servant's task, namely to render judgment according to truth and to give forth a new teaching or law (Isa 42:3f.). lt will surpass the Mosaic law because of its source through a new prophet-leader. lt will not disagree with the old but build on it. Also its scope will be universal. Jeremiah sees the establishing of a new covenant in which the law will be written on the heart (Jer 31:33). Man will be able to obey God from his inner life outwards. Then the true purpose of the law, namely, to lead man into a fruitful, abundant life of fellowship with God, will be fully realized.
ABOMINATION is Strong’s #H8441 = tôwʻêbah, to-ay-baw'; or תֹּעֵבַה tôʻêbah; feminine active participle of H8581; properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol: —abominable (custom, thing), abomination.
H8581 = תַּעָב taʻâb, taw-ab'; a primitive root; to loathe, i.e. (morally) detest: — (make to be) abhor(-red), (be, commit more, do) abominable(-y), × utterly.
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament; 2530a tmgpin (tô‘éba) abominable (custom, thing). …. CONTINUED; The nuances of tô'éba are numerous indeed (for the most complete recent study of both the noun and the verb, cf. P. Humbert, **Le substantif tô'éba et le verbe t'b dans l’Ancien Testament,’’ ZAW 72:217-37). As with the verb, so also with the noun the abomination may be of a physical, ritual or ethical nature and may be abhorred by God or man. Sharing a meal with a Hebrew was ritually offensive to an Egyptian (Gen 43:32), as was offering certain kinds of sacrifices (Ex 8:22). Homosexuality and other perversions are repugnant to God and fall under his judgment (Lev 18:22-30; 20:13). Idolatry (Deut 7:25), human sacrifice (Deut 12:31), eating ritually unclean animals (Deut 14:3-8), sacrificing defective animals (Deut 17:1), engaging in occult activities (Deut 18:9-14), conducting one’s business dishonestly (Deut 25:13—16), practicing ritual prostitution (I Kgs 14:23f.), and similar acts of disobedience (for seven more abominations, see the list in Prov 6:16~-19) were sure to bring God's wrath on those who perpetrated them. Twelve times the book of Proverbs uses the phrase, “‘is an abomination to the Lord.”’ In Ps 88, a prayer for help written by a man close to death, the physically repulsive appearance of a tôéba is stressed: the man’s former friends avoid him because they consider him to be a thing of horror (Ps 88:8 [H 9]).
Conclusion: God has His set laws, statues, commands, judgments and sabbaths. When reading the Bible or any other writing (resources and this one included) one needs to know the potential established bias or doctrine. Many commentaries provide really good information but have deep rooted false bias within their conclusions. [This does not mean all the information shared is wrong and the information shared from the resources above are good for use in this particular study.] In fact, there were some interesting (unrelated) points made that unfortunately will be read over by most that tie into God’s ultimate plan for man that is a foreshadow to future events.
It does take prayer for God to open our minds, as well as time in study for us to discern proper context and intent of Scripture. This will help explain why so few are CHOSEN even after being called!
If you are one that has interest in becoming chosen, it must be understood what sign God is seeking from each individual. This is NOT hidden in the small print in Scripture, but is all over the pages and it contradicts the doctrine taught in EVERY mainline ‘Christian’ ‘church’.
19 I am the Lord your God: Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them; 20 hallow My Sabbaths, and they will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.’ 21 “Notwithstanding, the children rebelled against Me; they did not walk in My statutes, and were not careful to observe My judgments, ‘which, if a man does, he shall live by them’; but they profaned My Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out My fury on them and fulfill My anger against them in the wilderness.
Ezekiel 20:19-21 (NKJV)
These statutes, ordinances, and sabbaths are spelled out in Leviticus 23. One should notice that the worship day of the sun god we call Sunday is not found there, nor is Christmas or Easter. What is called out in Ezekiel did not change because Christ died on the cross as ‘Christianity’ teaches.
6 “For I am the Lord, I do not change;
Malachi 3:6 (NKJV)
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)
It must be understood that God has not hidden anything and shares His thoughts on those exact days and feasts which DOMINATE ‘Christianity.’
18 Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!
For what good is the day of the Lord to you?
It will be darkness, and not light.
19 It will be as though a man fled from a lion,
And a bear met him!
Or as though he went into the house,
Leaned his hand on the wall,
And a serpent bit him!
20 Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light?
Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it?
21 “I hate, I despise your feast days,
And I do not savor your sacred assemblies.
22 Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings,
I will not accept them,
Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings.
23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs,
For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments.
Amos 5:18-23 (NKJV emphasis mine)
Those of you who look upon what has been shared as Old Testament and is now void because we are under a new covenant must explain the covenants, according to Scripture. The book of Proverbs is replete with the answers to life in a straightforward methodology. Passing over them thinking there is a disconnect between our time and the days pre-Christ allows for one’s prayers to become an ABOMINATION.
Note: For more clarity, read the article Bible Confirmation Bias.