Proverbs 21:3
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
The type of sacrifice being referred to in this Proverb is probably ritual sacrifice. This would involve killing an animal and not using them for food or materials, in order to show one's commitment to God. I don't understand that concept fully. But it is amazing to me that even in the time of the Proverbs being written, it was recognized that 'sacrifice' does not take the place of doing the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing involves making a sacrifice, but this is a different concept altogether. In the same way, my giving to the church financially does not take the place of doing the right thing.
Lord God, May I always choose the right thing, always be kind and generous to others, and in this way show my love and commitment to you. Amen
Becky, transforming
Friday, September 8th, 2023
Proverbs 21:3
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
The previous verse (21:2) points out that my actions in doing what is right accounts more to the LORD than doing religious sacrifices. God wants us to go to church, give money, sing in the choir and teach Sunday School, Yet, He wants us to be doing the right things every day – for other people and doing it in his name. God is not saying it isn’t good to serve at church, but He is saying what is acceptable to the lord is our daily right choices. our dealings with others are our priorities in our daily relationship with G…
Proverbs 21:3
It seems to me that most of the sacrificing in the Old Testament was to honor, appease, or ask for forgiveness. Even Mary and Joseph had to bring doves as a sacrifice when they presented Jesus at the Temple. It was required by law. This proverb tells us the Lord would much rather we act rightly and just than observe a religious obligation. I’m glad we don’t have to do this. We do have an obligation, however, and that is to please our Lord by doing and behaving justly.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for this straightforward advice. Amen
Proverbs 21:3 My favorite definition of integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. We all have seen the ostentatious display of publicly donating the big check and other things like the soup kitchen photo op, only to see these same people behave in their daily lives in ungodly ways. He didn’t intend for anyone to know or seek any publicity, but when the LA Dodgers came to Boston, former Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts provided an enormous amount of food for homeless people in Boston. This tangibly demonstrates the spirit of this verse from Proverbs.
Prayer - Lord, make me a person of integrity. Amen