Proverbs 15:8

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about offering to God and acceptable sacrifice:

Proverbs 15:8 (ESV Strong's)

8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,

but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.

Proverbs 15:9

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,

but he loves him who pursues righteousness.

Proverbs 15:26 (ESV Strong's)

26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,

but gracious words are pure.

What is an Abomination to the Lord?

In the above proverbs we see three parts of the nature of the wicked that are an abomination (disgusting) to God.    

1.  Their “sacrifices” are an abomination.   God is disgusted by those who attempt to worship Him, but inwardly they are wicked.   Inwardly they do not really recognize God as King and fear Him in righteous awe.  God takes great pleasure in even the smallest “prayer” of the upright, however.  The wicked can beat his chest and give thousands, but it is the small prayers of the righteous God notices and listens to.  Note how Jesus said it:

Mark 12:41-44 (ESV Strong's)

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

2.  The “way” of the wicked is an abomination.  God hates the places and the purpose and the pleasures the wicked seek.   We read throughout Scripture that God watches our ways.   He delights in the fact that the His followers pursue righteousness.  Christ said it this way:

Matthew 5:6 (ESV Strong's)

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

3. The very thoughts of the wicked are an abomination.   God knows our thoughts and intents.  God sees them.  He knows what the wicked are planning.  He despises the very inward thoughts of the wicked.  Why?  Because thoughts lead to words and their words are not full of grace.  God loves those who speak grace to others.   God is full of grace and truth, so God loves who are His children and speak words of grace.   God knows the thoughts of the wicked.  Note:

Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV Strong's)

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

There are many who believe God is LOVE and simply does not hate or see sin as an abomination.   But, these things are an abomination to the Lord.   They ought to be for us, as well. 

In religious lore anytime someone gives a sacrifice to a god, the god shows much appreciation.   It is simply uncouth for a god to "reject" a sacrifice from a parishioner.  No religious writings even mention such a thing ... except Solomon and God's Word.   Since God desires worshippers who come to Him in Spirit and in Truth (John 4) He will not accept a sacrifice that is from someone with a wicked heart.   To the true God it is an "abomination".   God, however, "delights" in the prayers of those who are "upright."   Those who have been cleansed by His son are His delight.