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

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

⁷ Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,^(A)
    with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?^(B)
Shall I offer my firstborn^(C) for my transgression,
    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?^(D)
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly^(E) and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly^[a](F) with your God.^(G)