1 Samuel 15:21-23

New International Reader's Version

“What pleases the Lord more?
    Burnt offerings and sacrifices, or obeying the Lord?
It is better to obey than to offer a sacrifice.
    It is better to do what he says than to offer the fat of rams.
²³ Refusing to obey the Lord is as sinful as using evil magic.
    Being proud is as evil as worshiping statues of gods.
You have refused to do what the Lord told you to do.
    So he has refused to have you as king.”