Why are even the prayers of the wicked an abomination to God (Proverbs 15:8, 29)?

It was natural and a plain duty for a Jew, in case of a transgression, to bring the appointed offering to Jehovah. But this however was not only unavailing for the godless, but added fresh insult to God, unless with self-judgment before Him, and that hatred of the evil committed which would work deeper care and vigilance against repeating it. If it were only to get rid of uneasiness, the man would be weaker than before, and more ready to sin afresh, and offer his sacrifice again. Integrity of repentance was indispensable. Accordingly, the heinousness of such self-deception as compounding with God for sin is here strongly pointed out. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah." This is as certain as that He has delight and favour in the prayer of the upright. He looks into the heart.

The wicked may think he is sacrificing something for God, as did Cain, but it is an abomination to the Lord (v. 8). Cain's sacrifice was itself contrary to what could please God, and even if a sacrifice in itself may be good, if given with a proud, self-satisfied attitude, it is abomination to God. Wicked, greedy men may be willing to offer to God $100 out of $10,000 which they have gained fraudulently, thinking this will make up for their crime!

"For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:20 - 22). Here there are conditions of great importance: a practical conduct pleasing to God, and an uncondemning heart - a good conscience. These are imperative for intercourse with a holy God. False, imaginary deities may accept a compromise, such as penance or gifts. God must have the judgment of evil, in all those who draw near to Him. It is the same with prayer as with worship; there can be neither where there is defilement. "Holiness adorns Your house, O LORD, forever," is an abiding principle (Ps. 93:5). And again, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear" (Ps.66:18). But how blessed that God has provided for all the exigencies of His people in a defiling scene; and hence it is ordained that, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When there is so simple a way of discharge, why should any walk with a burdened conscience? An upright and honest confession, and we are not only forgiven but cleansed. As Elihu says of the soul that has been brought to the moral judgment of itself, "He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness"(Job 33:26). The importance of this good conscience in connection with prayer is shown by the fact that Scripture links it even with asking the prayers of others, "Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably" (Heb.13:18). "The prayer of the upright" is indeed the Lord's delight (Prov.15:8); and it is the prayer of "the righteous" (in James 5:16 ) that is said to have much power.

"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination."

If a child coolly refuses to be subject to his parent, yet asks for everything he wants, is this not so brazen an attitude that his parent would refuse his demands? In God's sight such prayer is "abomination" that is it has the character of idolatry.

'If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psa. 66:18).

As the wicked has no thought of Jehovah, so is He far from such; but how precious and sure is His ear in listening to the prayers of the righteous!

Though the wicked may even use the Lord's name in their evil designs, the Lord is far from them (v. 29), but the righteous may have thorough confidence that the Lord hears their prayers. Indeed, this has been proven times without number, for the Lord not only hears, but answers.

So Hannah went on to say, "there is none holy as the Lord for there is none beside thee, neither is there any rock like our God". If I have iniquity in my heart Scripture says, God will not hear me. Read through the book of Proverbs and you will find again and again statements to that effect that the prayers of the unrighteous are an abomination to God. Moral condition is a tremendous necessity in this matter of prayer.

The captives of Babylon were no more pious than the remnant in the land, and when “certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the Lord” through the prophet Ezekiel, the word of Jehovah came to him saying, “Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus says the Lord God, I will not be inquired of by you” (Ezek. 20:1–3). Had there been repentance for their sins, and brokenness of spirit, the Lord would gladly have given them His ear, but He knew their low moral condition and the hypocrisy of their approach to Him.

And can God not intervene again in answer to the cries of His people? He can, blessed be His name. Does not He take note of the impiety of the proud blasphemous aggressors? And of the determined efforts to stamp out all that is for God and Christ in the world? He most surely does. He has set a limit to the tides of evil, it is our part to pray. And yet the question ought to be aroused in many of our hearts as to whether we are ready and fit to pray. To Israel in ancient days, God said, “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. Wash you, make you clean: put away your evil doings from before mine eyes: cease to do evil: learn to do well … Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat of the fat of the land: if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured by the sword: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it” (Isa. 1).

Thus, humbled in His presence, every false hope gone, the remnant search and try their ways, and the end of the Lord is reached. In brokenness of spirit they cry, "Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. We have transgressed and have rebelled: Thou hast not pardoned. Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: Thou hast slain, Thou hast not pitied. Thou hast covered Thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through" (v.41-44). There is an important lesson here. It is useless to pray while persisting in sin. The man who does not seek to walk with God has no right to expect anything from Him. "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thy heart." "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (Ps.37: 4; John 15: 7). This is the key to answered prayer. Obedience gives confidence. It is impossible to ask in faith when clinging to something that is grieving the Holy Spirit and dishonouring the Lord Jesus Christ. If prayer is not answered, if the heavens seem as brass, it is a solemn indication of a wrong state of soul, and should lead to self-judgment and the forsaking of every evil way.