Adam had sexual intercourse with his wife Eve. She became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said: With the help of Jehovah I have brought forth a man. Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. As time went by, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to Jehovah. read more.
But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn (firstlings) of his flock. Jehovah looked with favor on Abel and his offering. He did not look with favor on Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his face was downcast (he had a bad attitude). Jehovah said to Cain: Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will not your attitude improve? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you, but you must master it.

Jehovah of Hosts declares to the priests: Children honor their parents and servants honor their masters. I am your father. Why do you not honor me? I am your master. Why do you not respect me? You despise me, and yet you ask: How have we despised you? This is how you despise me. You offer worthless food on my altar. Then you ask: 'How have we failed to respect you?' I tell you it is by showing contempt for my altar. You bring blind, sick and lame animals to sacrifice to me. Do you think there is nothing wrong with that? Try giving an animal like that to the governor! Would he be pleased with you or grant you any favors? read more.
Try asking God to show you favor. He will not answer your prayer! It will be your fault, Jehovah the Almighty declares. Jehovah of Hosts continues: Is there one among you who will shut the Temple doors to prevent lighting a useless fire on my altar. I am not pleased with you! I will not accept the offerings you bring me.

This is how you despise me. You offer worthless food on my altar. Then you ask: 'How have we failed to respect you?' I tell you it is by showing contempt for my altar. You bring blind, sick and lame animals to sacrifice to me. Do you think there is nothing wrong with that? Try giving an animal like that to the governor! Would he be pleased with you or grant you any favors? Try asking God to show you favor. He will not answer your prayer! It will be your fault, Jehovah the Almighty declares.