Mercy, not sacrifice

Scriptures

Old Testament

Hosea 6:6

For it is loyalty that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Ps 50:8-15

⁸ Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
your burnt offerings are always before me.

⁹ I will not take a bullock from your house,
or he-goats from your folds.

¹⁰ For every animal of the forest is mine,
beasts by the thousands on my mountains.

¹¹ I know every bird in the heights;
whatever moves in the wild is mine.

¹² Were I hungry, I would not tell you,
for mine is the world and all that fills it.

¹³ Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of he-goats?

¹⁴ Offer praise as your sacrifice to God;
fulfill your vows to the Most High.

¹⁵ Then call on me on the day of distress;
I will rescue you, and you shall honor me.”

Ps 51:18-19

¹⁸ For you do not desire sacrifice or I would give it;
a burnt offering you would not accept.

¹⁹ My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.

New Testament

Mt 9:13

Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Mt 12:7

If you knew what this meant, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned these innocent men.