In chapter 5, Solomon observes the spiritual state of worshippers at the House of God with concern, noting an on-and-off attitude toward God that suggests unresolved hypocrisy. He perceives that some individuals confine their worship to mere appearances at the Temple on the Sabbath, lacking consistent sincerity in their daily lives. Solomon warns against leaving God entirely out of life, urging a careful approach to ensure His active involvement in every facet, as pledged at baptism. He highlights the human tendency to be easily distracted, sometimes preferring anything short of outright sin over attentively listening to God's guidance. Addressing social injustice within the worldly system, Solomon points out the constant distractions it creates through news of corruption and exploitation, where every level of society seeks personal advantage rather than service or sharing. He cautions against being astonished by this vanity or using it as an excuse to sin, emphasizing the responsibility to overcome and remain loyal to God's way amidst such evil, while holding onto the hope of a future solution when Christ returns to establish justice.

The way of Cain involves religion and worship on one's own terms, with more faith in one's own righteousness than in God's. It includes a humanistic bent that believes in maintaining good relationships with others without first being reconciled with God and wholly devoted to Him. Cain's offering, which was of the fruit of the ground, suggests devotion to fellow man but omits any thought of devotion to God, atonement, or reconciliation with Him. This omission made his offering evil in its effects, as it lacked the preceding sin and whole burnt offerings that represent the sinless life of the Savior and wholehearted devotion to God, respectively. Cain's actions demonstrate a focus on human aspects over the divine, leading to terrible irony when he killed the brother to whom he symbolically claimed devotion. The way of Cain can involve works that appear good on the surface but are evil in their effect or influence, prioritizing shortcuts for expediency over submitting to God's set pattern.

The Israelites' lack of honor and reverence is shown by their disobedience. Every sacrificial animal was to be without blemish, and the law specifically prohibited the offering of blind, lame, or sick animals on the altar. The priests were very familiar with Levitical law, but they were negligent in carrying it out according to God's instructions. They brought the blind, the lame, and the sick, and even those already dying. Their attitudes did not care about what God thought or wanted. They were just going through the motions, offering what they humanly reasoned were good enough for such a purpose. God asked, "Is it not evil?" Yet, in the opinion of the priests, there was no evil in offering such sacrifices. These offerings would be unacceptable to a human governor, much less to God. They would not dare to insult a political leader in the same way they insulted God. Although our attitudes of mind are largely hidden, the actions they lead to are out in the open for all to see.