Malachi 2:17
Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?
Malachi 2:17 teaches that the Lord is wearied with words when people claim that everyone who does evil is good in His sight and that He delights in them, or when they ask where the God of judgment is. To call evildoers good in God's sight, to say He delights in evildoers, and to question where His judgment is, is what wears Him with such words. The question about the whereabouts of the God of judgment is a mocking challenge coming from the impenitent. Such words deny that God judges wrongdoing, treat good and evil as indistinguishable, distort His moral judgment, deny His justice, and misrepresent His character. Claiming that He approves of evildoers and takes delight in them denies His justice and misrepresents His character.
Those who speak this way do so while living selfishly, withholding what belongs to Him, and neglecting mercy. The Lord sees human motives and will come in judgment against evildoers who exploit the vulnerable — hired workers, widows, orphans, and strangers — and against those who do not fear Him. In answer to the mocking challenge, the Lord will come suddenly to His temple as the Messenger of the covenant to refine and purify the sons of Levi so they can present offerings in righteousness, and then the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will again be pleasing to Him. The verse condemns teachings that excuse wickedness and promise heaven regardless of how people live. The verse calls readers to examine themselves before God, requiring students and teachers in particular to make time to seek the Lord instead of letting business concerns fill their minds.