Proverbs 21:3

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable ¹  to the Lord than sacrifice. ² 

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.

The LORD is more pleased when we do what is just and right than when we give him sacrifices.

Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to GOD than religious performance.

To do what is right and true is more pleasing to the Lord than an offering.

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable ¹  to the Lord than sacrifice. ² 

¹ tn The Niphal participle בָּחַר (bakhar, “to choose”) means “choice to the Lord” or “chosen of the Lord,” meaning “acceptable to the Lord”; cf. TEV “pleases the Lord more.”

² sn The Lord prefers righteousness above religious service (e.g., Prov 15:8; 21:29; 1 Sam 15:22; Ps 40:6-8; Isa 1:11-17). This is not a rejection of ritual worship; rather, religious acts are without value apart from righteous living.