Proverbs 15:3

¶ The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

The eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068} are in every place {H4725}, beholding {H6822} the evil {H7451} and the good {H2896}.

The eyes of ADONAI are everywhere, watching the evil and the good.

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.

The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:3 delivers a profound statement about the nature of God, emphasizing His constant and all-encompassing awareness of human actions. This verse serves as a foundational principle within the wisdom literature of Proverbs, reminding readers that no deed, whether good or evil, escapes divine notice.

Context

This verse is part of the broader collection of Solomon's proverbs, which aim to impart practical wisdom for living a righteous and successful life. The book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the way of the wise and the way of the foolish, and here, the ultimate accountability to God is highlighted. Understanding that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge is crucial for appreciating the weight of this truth. It sets the stage for understanding why moral conduct matters.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omnipresence and Omniscience: The phrase "The eyes of the LORD are in every place" speaks directly to God's omnipresence – His ability to be everywhere simultaneously. Coupled with "beholding the evil and the good," it underscores His omniscience, meaning He has perfect and complete knowledge of all things, thoughts, and deeds.
  • Universal Accountability: This verse establishes a universal standard of accountability. There is no hidden corner or secret act that is unknown to God. This applies to all humanity, regardless of their awareness or belief in God's presence, highlighting the divine oversight of all creation.
  • Moral Governance: God's observation is not passive. His "beholding" implies an active discernment and recording of actions, which ultimately informs His righteous governance and justice. It suggests that good is rewarded and evil is ultimately addressed, reinforcing the importance of moral conduct.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "eyes of the LORD" (עֵינֵי יְהוָה - einei Yahweh) is an anthropomorphism, attributing human characteristics (eyes) to God to help us comprehend His divine perception. It signifies His absolute and perfect awareness. The word translated "beholding" (צֹפוֹת - tzofot) implies more than just seeing; it suggests an active, watchful observation, a discerning gaze. It's not a casual glance but a purposeful monitoring of all activities, both good and evil.

Practical Application

Proverbs 15:3 has profound implications for daily living and personal conduct:

  • Motivation for Integrity: Knowing that God sees everything encourages us to live with integrity, even when no human eye is upon us. Our private actions are as known to God as our public ones, fostering genuine righteousness.
  • Comfort for the Righteous: For those who strive to do good, this verse offers comfort, assuring them that their efforts, sacrifices, and hidden acts of kindness are seen and appreciated by God. Their good deeds are not in vain.
  • Warning for the Wicked: Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning to those who engage in evil, reminding them that their deeds will not go unnoticed or unaddressed by divine justice. There is no escaping the judgment of God.
  • Cultivating Reverence: This truth should foster a deep sense of reverence and awe for God, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions to align with His will. Living consciously before God's all-seeing eyes can transform our character and lead to a life of greater wisdom.

Ultimately, Proverbs 15:3 calls us to a life of conscious moral choice, lived under the ever-present, discerning gaze of the Almighty, encouraging us to choose the good.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • Jeremiah 16:17

    For mine eyes [are] upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

  • Jeremiah 23:24

    Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 16:9

    For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

  • Proverbs 5:21

    For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

  • Job 34:21

    For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

  • Job 34:22

    [There is] no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

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