“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent…A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he establishes his way” (Proverbs 21:27, 29).
The holy God in the holy Scriptures says nothing heartwarming about wickedness. Often God’s holy perspective is vastly different than how many people view evil. The enormous wickedness of the wicked is seen in:
- Their wicked actions. As King Saul learned in 1 Samuel 15:22-23, making a sacrifice to God is not a viable substitute for heartfelt obedience and genuine repentance for one’s actions. When such a sacrifice occurs, the wicked is simply trying to whitewash a spiritual tomb full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness (Mat. 23:27).
- Their wicked motives. Some wicked people may be sincere yet deceived when making an unacceptable sacrifice to God. Cain believed his sacrificial substitute was perfectly fine (Gen. 4:3-5). He was wrong but not hypocritical. However, the wicked Pharisees which Jesus condemned in Matthew 23 did the “right thing” with wicked motives. They prayed long prayers in pretense (Mat. 23:14). Like Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), the wicked make showy, ostentatious gifts from wicked motives. Such motivation is deadly.
- Their wicked attitudes. If their evil actions and motives are exposed, the wicked resist godly sorrow and fruitful repentance. Like Cain, they are unconcerned that “sin lies at the door, and its desire is for you” (Gen. 4:7). God’s holy perspective is of less importance to them than their own wicked viewpoint and sinful lusts.
The wise eschew the wickedness of the wicked.
