1 Samuel 15:22

15:22 Then Samuel said,

“Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices

as much as he does in obedience? ¹ 

Certainly, ²  obedience ³  is better than sacrifice;

paying attention is better than ⁴  the fat of rams.

1 Samuel 15:24

15:24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have disobeyed what the Lord commanded ⁵  and what you said as well. ⁶  For I was afraid of the army, and I followed their wishes. ⁷ 

Ephesians 5:6

Live in the Light

5:6 Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. ⁸ 

Ephesians 5:1

Live in Love

5:1 Therefore, be ⁹  imitators of God as dearly loved children

Titus 1:9

1:9 He must hold firmly to the faithful message as it has been taught, ¹⁰  so that he will be able to give exhortation in such healthy teaching ¹¹  and correct those who speak against it.

[15:22]  ¹ tn Heb “as [in] listening to the voice of the Lord.”

[15:22]  ² tn Heb “look.”

[15:22]  ³ tn Heb “listening.”

[15:22]  ⁴ tn The expression “is better” is understood here by ellipsis (see the immediately preceding statement).

[15:24]  ⁵ tn Heb “the mouth of the Lord.”

[15:24]  ⁶ tn Heb “and your words.”

[15:24]  ⁷ tn Heb “and I listened to their voice.”

[5:6]  ⁸ sn The expression sons of disobedience is a Semitic idiom that means “people characterized by disobedience.” In this context it refers to “all those who are disobedient.” Cf. Eph 2:2-3.

[5:1]  ⁹ tn Or “become.”

[1:9]  ¹⁰ tn Grk “the faithful message in accordance with the teaching” (referring to apostolic teaching).

[1:9]  ¹¹ tn Grk “the healthy teaching” (referring to what was just mentioned).