What does Proverbs 15:8 mean?

Jesus said, "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him" (John 4:23). "Going through the motions" is not the same as worshipping in truth. God does not accept that which is merely an outward show—when the heart and spirit are not full of love and reverence for Him. On the other hand, the prayers of those who sincerely honor the Lord (Proverbs 15:9) please Him, and He hears them.

Hypocritical displays are not merely rejected by the Lord, they are also offensive to God. When wicked people (Proverbs 4:13–14) pretend to honor God, their efforts are described by the Hebrew word tōw'ēbah, which means something "disgusting." This is the same term used to describe their entire lifestyle as an "abomination" in the next verse (Proverbs 15:9). Hollow gestures from those who refuse the Lord's truth don't make amends, they make Him angry.

First Samuel 15:22 asks, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams." Isaiah 1:11 records the Lord's rebuke to the people of Judah, because they were hypocritically offerings sacrifices. He declares in this verse that the multitude of sacrifices are worthless, and He says, "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats."