If I regard sin and baseness in my heart [that is, if I know it is there and do nothing about it],

The Lord will not hear [me];

He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man],

Even his prayer is repulsive [to God].

“What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me [without your repentance]?”

Says the Lord.

“I have had enough of [your] burnt offerings of rams

And the fat of well-fed cattle [without your obedience];

And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls or lambs or goats [offered without repentance].

When you come to appear before Me,

Who requires this of you, this trampling of My [temple] courts [by your sinful feet]?

Do not bring worthless offerings again,

[Your] incense is repulsive to Me;

[Your] New Moon and Sabbath [observances], the calling of assemblies—

I cannot endure wickedness [your sin, your injustice, your wrongdoing] and [the squalor of] the festive assembly.

I hate [the hypocrisy of] your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts.

They have become a burden to Me;

I am weary of bearing them.

So when you spread out your hands [in prayer, pleading for My help],

I will hide My eyes from you;

Yes, even though you offer many prayers,

I will not be listening.

Your hands are full of blood!

Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short

That it cannot save,

Nor His ear so impaired

That it cannot hear.

But your wickedness has separated you from your God,

And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

We know [according to your tradition] that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone fears God and does His will, He hears him.