Devine Scripture

Proverbs 21:3

What does Proverbs 21:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 21:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 21:3 means

Proverbs 21:3 highlights God’s preference for moral uprightness over ritual. The verse asserts that actively pursuing "righteousness"—living in conformity to God's character and laws—and "justice"—acting fairly and impartially toward others—is more pleasing to Yahweh than offering sacrifices. This isn’t a rejection of sacrifice itself, as animal sacrifices were divinely instituted under the Law for atonement and worship. Rather, it emphasizes that external religious observance without an internal commitment to ethical living is insufficient and even displeasing to God. True worship, as this proverb implies, is demonstrated first and foremost by a life marked by integrity and equitable treatment of others, reflecting God’s own nature.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To do what is right and true is more pleasing to the Lord than an offering.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

To do righteousness and judgment, Is chosen of Jehovah rather than sacrifice.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To do mercy and judgment, pleaseth the Lord more than victims.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

To exercise justice and judgment is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice.

Context

Proverbs 21 presents a series of often contrasting aphorisms providing practical wisdom for various aspects of life, frequently addressed from a kingly or leadership perspective. This chapter covers themes of good governance, the pitfalls of pride, the importance of diligence, and the deceitfulness of wealth. Just prior to verse 3, the chapter discusses the Lord directing the king's heart and judging motives. Following this verse, it delves into warnings against arrogance, laziness, and the destructive nature of injustice. Therefore, Proverbs 21:3 serves as a foundational ethical principle within this broader collection of wisdom, informing how both leaders and individuals should conduct themselves before God and man.

v.2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

v.3This passage

v.4A high look, and a proud heart, Eventhe lamp of the wicked, is sin.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 50:8

    I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices; And thy burnt-offerings are continually before me.

  • Jeremiah 7:21

    Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Add your burnt-offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat ye flesh.

  • Hosea 6:6

    For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.

  • Micah 6:6

    Wherewith shall I come before Jehovah, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old?

  • Isaiah 1:11

    What unto me is the multitude of your sacrifices? saith Jehovah: I have had enough of the burnt-offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats.

  • 1 Samuel 15:22

    And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

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