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Proverbs 28:9 Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer <i>shall be</i> abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer <i>is</i> an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who turns his ear away from listening to the Law, Even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man], Even his prayer is repulsive [to God].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law — even his prayer is detestable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Anyone who turns his ear away from hearing the law— even his prayer is detestable. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God cannot stand the prayers of anyone who disobeys his Law. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Surely the prayer of someone who refuses to listen to [God's] teachings is disgusting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If someone quits listening to the Law even his prayer is detestable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is turning his ear from hearing the Law, "" Even his prayer [is] an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is turning his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He turning away his ear from hearing the law, also his prayer is an abomination.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that turneth away his ears from hearing the law, his prayer shall be as abomination. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever turns away his ears from listening to the law: his prayer will be detestable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Those who turn their ears from hearing instruction, even their prayer is an abomination. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When one will not listen to the law, even one’s prayers are an abomination.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who closes his ears from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that shuts his ears that he will not hear the Law, even his prayer is defiled.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even he has made his prayer abominable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/28-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5751" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">The Boldness of the Righteous</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: mê·sîr (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">Whoever turns</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ’ā·zə·nōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">his ear away</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: miš·šə·mō·a‘ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">from hearing</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: tō·w·rāh (N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">the law,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">even</a> <a href="/hebrew/8605.htm" title="8605: tə·p̄il·lā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Prayer. From palal; intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn.">his prayer</a> <a href="/hebrew/8441.htm" title="8441: tō·w·‘ê·ḇāh (N-fs) -- Or tonebah; feminine active participle of ta'ab; properly, something disgusting, i.e. an abhorrence; especially idolatry or an idol.">is detestable.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a></span><br />When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/9-31.htm">John 9:31</a></span><br />We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18</a></span><br />If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-3.htm">James 4:3</a></span><br />And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a></span><br />For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a></span><br />But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/11-11.htm">Jeremiah 11:11</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring upon them a disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8-9</a></span><br />‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-4.htm">Micah 3:4</a></span><br />Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Zechariah 7:11-13</a></span><br />But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. / They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. / And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a></span><br />Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">1 John 3:22</a></span><br />and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/8-18.htm">Ezekiel 8:18</a></span><br />Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-21.htm">Amos 5:21-23</a></span><br />“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.</p><p class="hdg">turneth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13</a></b></br> Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15,16</a></b></br> And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/58-7.htm">Isaiah 58:7-11</a></b></br> <i>Is it</i> not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? … </p><p class="hdg">even</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Proverbs 15:8</a></b></br> The sacrifice of the wicked <i>is</i> an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright <i>is</i> his delight.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18</a></b></br> If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear <i>me</i>:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/109-7.htm">Psalm 109:7</a></b></br> When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/psalms/58-4.htm">Deaf</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-9.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-9.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Law</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-29.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/122-6.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-22.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-14.htm">Turns</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Abomination</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-18.htm">Deaf</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-24.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-9.htm">Law</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-8.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-30.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-30.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-6.htm">Turns</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">general observations of impiety and integrity</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law</b><br>This 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 <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, 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 (<a href="/numbers/14-22.htm">Numbers 14:22-23</a>). 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 (<a href="/matthew/7-26.htm">Matthew 7:26-27</a>).<p><b>even his prayer is detestable</b><br>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 (<a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a>). 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 (<a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Proverbs 15:8</a>). This reflects the principle that God desires obedience over ritual (<a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a>). 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 in <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a>, 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.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the Law was given. The Israelites were expected to live according to God's commandments as revealed in the Torah.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a></b><br>Refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which contain God's commandments and instructions for His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Obedience to God's law is crucial for a healthy relationship with Him. Ignoring His commandments can lead to spiritual consequences, including unanswered prayers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_heart_in_prayer.htm">The Role of the Heart in Prayer</a></b><br>God desires sincerity and righteousness in our prayers. A heart that disregards His law cannot expect to be heard favorably.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Turning 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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regularly examine your life to ensure you are not turning away from God's instructions. This self-reflection helps maintain a strong connection with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>If 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.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Even his prayer shall be abomination.--</span>See above on <a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm" title="The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.">Proverbs 15:8</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law.</span> He who refuses to hearken to and to practise the dictates of the Divine law (comp <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20</a>. <span class="cmt_word">Even his prayer shall be abomination</span> (comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Proverbs 15:8</a>, and note there). "God heareth not sinners" (<a href="/john/9-31.htm">John 9:31</a>). 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 (<a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11</a>. etc.), and the psalmist cries with terrible rigour, "When he shall be judged, let him be condemned; and let his prayer become sin" (<a href="/psalms/109-7.htm">Psalm 109:7</a>)? 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.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/28-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Whoever turns</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵסִ֣יר</span> <span class="translit">(mê·sîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his ear {away}</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֭זְנוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·zə·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Broadness, the ear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from hearing</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְּׁמֹ֣עַ</span> <span class="translit">(miš·šə·mō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the law,</span><br /><span class="heb">תּוֹרָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">even</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּֽם־</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his prayer</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּ֝פִלָּת֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(tə·p̄il·lā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8605.htm">Strong's 8605: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intercession, supplication, a hymn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is detestable.</span><br /><span class="heb">תּוֹעֵבָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·‘ê·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8441.htm">Strong's 8441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/28-9.htm">Proverbs 28:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/28-9.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:9 He who turns away his ear (Prov. 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