Dennis Prager has offered a commonsense proof as to why it makes sense that God values ethical behavior toward others more than ritual behavior directed toward Him. As Prager asks parents, "What gives you greater joy, when your children tell you that they love you, or when you hear them say to their brothers and sisters, 'I love you.'?" Overwhelmingly, parents answer that they derive greater satisfaction from seeing their children act lovingly toward each other. Prager concludes, "I think God is the same way. He regards humankind as His children (see, for example, Malachi 2:10), and so is most happy when He sees His children treating each other well."
— Joseph Telushkin in A Code of Jewish Ethics: Volume 1