잠언 21:3의 미드라쉬

R. Elazar said: "Great is charity, even more so than sacrifices; as it is said (Prov. 21, 3) To exercise righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." R. Elazar said again: "Loving kindness is worth more than alms giving; as it is said (Hos. 10, 12) Sow then for yourselves righteousness, that you may reap the fruit of kindness. If a man sows, it is doubtful whether or not he will eat from his sowing; but if a man reaps, he is sure to eat of it." R. Elazar said again: "Charity is rewarded only according to the kindness with which it is done; as it is said Sow for yourselves righteousness, that you may reap kindness."

This is what Scripture says. "To do what is right and just is more desired by the Lord than sacrifice." (Prov. 21:3) Scripture does not say, "as much as sacrifice", but "more than sacrifice." How so?Whereas sacrifices could only function inside the Temple, to do what is right and just is mandated inside and outside the Temple. Another opinion: whereas sacrifices could only atone for unintentional, accidental sins, acts of righteousness and justice atone even for intentional sins. Another opinion: whereas sacrifices are offered only by humanity, even God is obligated to practice justice and righteousness. Another opinion: whereas sacrifices are significant only in this world, righteousness and justice will remain a cornerstone in the Coming World. Rabbi Shmuel ben Nachmani said: When the Holy One of Blessing said to Natan (I Chronicles 17:3-5): "Go and tell David My servant: Thus saith the LORD: Thou shalt not build Me a house to dwell in for I have not dwelt in a house since the day that I brought up Israel, unto this day; but have [gone] from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle [to another]" If a person wanted to curse David, what would he do? He would say to David: It would be good if you built the House. You should know what David's answer was: (Ps. 122) 'I was glad when they said to me, let's go to the House of Hashem'.