If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
Proverbs 28:9 NIV
Choice is a fundamental aspect of human life. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, we are constantly faced with decisions to make. Our choices have consequences, and they shape the course of our lives. This verse underscores that we have a choice either to listen or to be disobedient to God’s instructions. More importantly, it shows how our choices have consequences, even in our prayers.
If we choose to ignore God’s teachings, our prayers become detestable and abominable unto God. It would not matter how long or loud we pray; the prayer of a disobedient child will not move God an inch. Such prayers warrant an intense dislike from God. God sees such prayers as an abomination for Him to hear and answer. Those who hear God’s instruction but give no attention to it already have an answer to their prayer – detestable. God’s word has never had a hold of them; they are disobedient of divine instructions.
We know that God does not listen to sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and a worshiper of Him and does His will, He listens to him.
John 9:31 AMPC
If you think that you are not a ‘chronic sinner’, maybe yours is just a matter of one disobedient here and there. Do not be deceived. The passage above contrast being a sinner to a God-fearing, worshipper of God and a doer of His will. You can see that it is not a list where you can pick some and not all.
Even if you fail to obey only one rule in God’s Law, it means that you are guilty. It is the same as if you fail to obey all God’s Law.
James 2:10 EASY
By turning a deaf ear to God’s instructions, we risk losing His favour. It is not enough to simply go through the motions of religious practices; we must truly listen to and follow God’s instructions.
Therefore, we must approach prayer with a humble and teachable heart, willing to listen and obey God’s voice and instructions. This means setting aside our own desires and agendas and seeking God’s will above all else.
