When Samuel arrived, he could see and hear the evidence of Saul’s wrong actions. When confronted, Saul said the plunder taken was to be sacrificed to God. This is like saying: “But I only stole the money, so, I could put it in the offering plate!” Offerings, worship and service are meaningless if they flow from a heart that is covering up for sin.

“Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil,” (Ecc 5:1).

“Walk prudently when you go to the house of God.” Entering the house of God should be done reverently rather than carelessly. Be spiritually prepared before coming; then be ready to hear and obey what you hear.

(6) God Hates All Workers Of Iniquity
“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. 5: The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6: You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man,” (Ps 5:4-6).

5:5: God cannot condone or excuse even the smallest sin. Therefore we cannot excuse ourselves for sinning only a little bit. As we grow spiritually, our sensitivity to sin increases. What is your reaction to sin in your life? Are you insensitive, unconcerned, disappointed or comfortable? As God makes us aware of sin, we must be intolerant toward it and be willing to change. All believers should strive to be more tolerant of people, but less tolerant of the sin in others and in themselves.

5:5-6: “God hates all workers of iniquity.” Evil does not exist in the abstract. God not only hates sin, but also in some sense hates those who perpetrate evil. On the other hand, the scriptures also reveal God to be One who loves sinners, reaches out to them in compassion and mercy, and seeks to redeem them from sin through the cross of Christ (John 3:16).

(7) “The Lord Hates The Wicked And Those Who Love Violence”
“The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates,” Ps 11:5. Because the Lord “loves righteousness” (v.7), He hates those who participate in violence or enjoy being entertained by it. Thus believers must exercise caution concerning the entertainment media and examine themselves to determine whether they take pleasure in and enjoy the portrayal of violence and bloodshed (see Luke 23:35; Rom 1:32).

Jesus Crucified (Luke 23:26-35)
“And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying: “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God,” (Luke 23:35).

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