Proverbs 21:27To bring an offering to God with an ulterior motive is detestable, for it amounts to nothing but hypocrisy.Proverbs Daily is a reader-supported publication. All posts are free, but all donations help spread the message. When you see the word "upgrade," you're simply invited to help me make the sacred positively contagious...thank you in advance for becoming a free or paid subscriber.The first murder recorded in the Bible didn’t happen in a dark alley. It didn’t come from a robbery or revenge. It happened after worship.Two brothers brought offerings to God. One was accepted, one was not. And instead of learning, changing, or humbling himself… Cain, the older brother, chose hate. Imagine that — turning an altar into a crime scene. That’s not just tragic. That’s absurd.Proverbs 21:27 in The Passion Translation says: “The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more when brought with evil intent!” See, you can dress it up, package it nicely, sanitize the story — but a corrupted offering is still a corrupted offering. Cain could never erase the blood of his younger brother Abel crying from the ground. No matter how he spun it, no matter how much he wanted God to overlook it, God saw the whole picture.It’s Still Happening…Today we hear loud voices offering their version of “truth” and “patriotism.” They speak with fire, slurs, and calls for punishment. They drape it in the language of faith, family, and freedom.But words that divide, dehumanize, and incite violence cannot be transformed into holy offerings just because they’re wrapped in Bible verses or church language. God does not — and will not — celebrate hatred as righteousness.Some people act like “blood, fire, and smoke” prove their devotion—as if God were really impressed by rage. Others imagine that removing one group of people would somehow purify the nation. But God is not interested in a love that excludes. He is interested in a love that embraces all of His creation.⚠️ History’s WarningHistory warns us: when faith fuses with power, when nationalism dresses itself as religion, it becomes idolatry.Isaiah reminds us that “all our righteousness is as filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6). Think about that. All Israel’s sweetest incense, their best music and dance, their spotless rituals — God said, “Look, you’re missing the point. You’re wearing Me out, because you’ve forgotten love.”God isn’t impressed with rituals or reputations. He’s moved by mercy. Not by loyalty to one tribe over another, but by a love that refuses to leave anyone out.So I Can’t Leave This Out:Cain thought God would ignore the blood on the ground. Will we?PrayerLord, purify my worship until love defines all I do.Today’s ChallengeListen carefully to words around you — especially the loud ones. Ask: Do these words give life, or do they drain it? Do they sound like Cain, or like Christ?About the AuthorFred Lynch is a creative communicator, author, and Christian Hip Hop pioneer. To learn more about Fred and what he’s up to now…click here or you can find him in all the socials by searching the handle: heyfredlynch📱Experience Proverbs Daily by Subscribing!Ready to receive daily wisdom directly on your phone?Go to proverbsdaily.org for the app or just click that Subscribe button right now!Be Wise and Be Well...peace.Thanks for reading Proverbs Daily! This post is public so feel free to share it.
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