To dorighteousnessand justiceIs desiredby the LORDmorethansacrifice.
ThenI said,"Behold,I come;In the scrollof the bookit is writtenof me.
"I do not reproveyou for your sacrifices,And your burntofferingsare continuallybeforeMe.
The sacrificeof the wickedis an abominationto the LORD,But the prayerof the uprightis His delight.
For I delightin loyaltyratherthansacrifice,And in the knowledgeof Godratherthanburntofferings.
"Thushas the LORDof hostssaid,Dispensetrue~justiceand practicekindnessand compassioneachto his brother;
AND TO LOVEHIM WITH ALLTHE HEARTAND WITH ALLTHE UNDERSTANDINGAND WITH ALLTHE STRENGTH,AND TO LOVEONE'S NEIGHBORAS HIMSELF,is much morethan allburnt offeringsand sacrifices."
Samuelsaid,"Has the LORDas much delightin burntofferingsand sacrificesAs in obeyingthe voiceof the LORD?Behold,to obeyis betterthansacrifice,[And] to heedthanthe fatof rams.
