“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
    as much as in obeying the Lord?
To obey is better than sacrifice,^(A)
    and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

⁸ I bring no charges^(A) against you concerning your sacrifices
    or concerning your burnt offerings,^(B) which are ever before me.

⁸ The Lord detests the sacrifice^(A) of the wicked,^(B)
    but the prayer of the upright pleases him.^(C)

²⁷ The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable^(A)—
    how much more so when brought with evil intent!^(B)

⁶ For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,^(A)
    and acknowledgment^(B) of God rather than burnt offerings.^(C)