And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.
Wherewith shall I come before Jehovah, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old?
will Jehovah be pleased with thousands of rams, (or) with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?
But go ye and learn what (this) meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.