Rob Witham

He who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination. (Proverbs 28.9 WEB)

I often hear people who seem to have no use for God in their life talk say they are praying about a matter. I find it curious that people who could be called practical atheists (someone who claims to believe in God but lives as if there were no God) suddenly look to God when they need something. These same people are then the first to express that they are “angry with God” when their supposed three magic wishes are not granted.

The subject of being angry with God probably deserves a special post all by itself. There is an obvious irony though when those that do not follow God’s law in their daily existence express anger at God for not doing what they want. Who are we to demand anything of God? The proverb teaches us that the prayers of those who do not follow God’s law are an abomination. That’s strong language in this proverb.

If we are not following God’s law we have no right to be surprised when God does not answer our prayer. We have even less right to be angry with God for not carrying out our wishes. God is on record - the prayers of those who do not hear and obey his law are an abomination.