21:3

This proverb identifies two kinds of good behavior. It teaches that the LORD values righteous and just behavior more than he values the ritual of offering animal sacrifices to himself.

3a To do what is right and just

3b is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

The verse implies that the LORD does not value sacrifices that people offer to him if their conduct is not right and just.

21:3a

To do righteousness and justice: The phrase To do righteousness and justice refers to doing what is right according to God’s law. The word justice refers to making decisions, especially legal decisions, that are proper and fair to others. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

Doing what is right and fair (New Century Version)
-or-
When people do the right thing and treat others fairly

See the notes on “right” and “just” in 1:3b.

21:3b

is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as more desirable refers to what pleases the LORD. It refers to what he values or considers to be important. Another way to translate the whole phrase is:

is more important to the Lord than sacrifices (New Century Version)
-or-
the LORD values ⌊these deeds⌋ more than the ⌊animal⌋ sacrifices ⌊that they offer to him⌋

General Comment on 21:3a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to reorder parts of these two lines. See 21:3a–b (combined/reordered) in the Display.

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