The eyes of the LORDThis phrase emphasizes God's omniscience and omnipresence. In biblical context, "eyes" often symbolize awareness and knowledge. The LORD, Yahweh, is depicted as having perfect vision, seeing all things. This aligns with other scriptures such as
Psalm 33:13-14, which speaks of the LORD looking down from heaven and seeing all mankind. The anthropomorphic language helps convey the idea of God's intimate involvement with His creation.
are in every place
This highlights God's omnipresence, a fundamental attribute of His nature. Unlike humans, God is not limited by space or time. This concept is echoed inJeremiah 23:24, where God declares that He fills heaven and earth. The phrase reassures believers of God's constant presence, providing comfort and accountability. Historically, this understanding of God set the Israelites apart from surrounding nations, whose deities were often localized.
observing the evil and the good
God's impartial observation of both evil and good underscores His role as the ultimate judge. This dual observation reflects the moral order established by God, where actions are seen and will be judged accordingly. It connects toHebrews 4:13, which states that nothing in creation is hidden from God's sight. Theologically, this serves as a warning to the wicked and an encouragement to the righteous, affirming that God is aware of all deeds and will bring justice.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and sovereignty. In this verse, it highlights His omniscience and omnipresence.
2.
Every PlaceThis phrase signifies the entirety of creation, indicating that there is no location beyond God's watchful presence.
3.
The Evil and the GoodRepresents the moral spectrum of human actions and intentions, which are fully visible to God.
Teaching Points
God's Omniscience and OmnipresenceGod sees everything, both good and evil, which should encourage believers to live righteously and with integrity.
Accountability Before GodUnderstanding that God observes all actions should lead to a life of accountability, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him.
Comfort in God's WatchfulnessFor the righteous, God's constant watchfulness is a source of comfort and assurance that He is aware of their struggles and faithfulness.
Encouragement to Do GoodKnowing that God sees all, believers are encouraged to continue doing good, even when it seems unnoticed by others.
Warning Against SinThis verse serves as a warning to those who engage in evil, reminding them that their actions are not hidden from God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 15:3?
2.How does Proverbs 15:3 encourage us to live with integrity daily?
3.What does "eyes of the LORD" imply about God's awareness of our actions?
4.How can Proverbs 15:3 deepen our understanding of God's omnipresence?
5.Connect Proverbs 15:3 with Psalm 139:7-12 on God's constant presence.
6.How should Proverbs 15:3 influence our behavior when no one is watching?
7.How does Proverbs 15:3 reflect God's omnipresence and omniscience?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 15:3?
9.How does Proverbs 15:3 challenge our understanding of divine surveillance?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15?
11.Can God witness sin?
12.Proverbs 15:3: How can an omnipresent God “see everything” in a scientifically verifiable way?
13.Is the LORD present there?
14.What does "The eyes of the Lord" signify?What Does Proverbs 15:3 Mean
The eyes of the LORD• Scripture pictures God with “eyes,” reminding us that He is a personal, attentive Being, not an impersonal force.
•Psalm 33:18 notes, “Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him…”.
•2 Chronicles 16:9 echoes, “For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro throughout the whole earth…”.
• Because the Lord watches, we can live confidently, knowing He sees even what others miss.
are in every place• God’s sight is not limited by geography, darkness, or distance.
–Jeremiah 23:24 asks, “Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?”.
–Psalm 139:7-10 affirms He is present “if I rise on the wings of the dawn… even there Your hand will guide me” (BSB, excerpt).
• His omnipresence comforts believers and restrains evil, since no deed escapes His notice.
• Practical take-away: wherever we go—home, work, online—His presence is already there.
observing the evil and the good• God’s gaze is impartial: He monitors both rebellion and righteousness.
–Job 34:21: “His eyes are on the ways of a man; He sees his every step”.
–Hebrews 4:13: “Nothing in all creation is hidden… everything is uncovered”.
• For the wicked, His watchfulness warns of sure judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10).
• For the faithful, His watchfulness promises reward and assurance (Psalm 34:15).
summaryProverbs 15:3 reminds us that the Lord’s all-seeing eyes are everywhere, beholding both evil and good. His constant, comprehensive awareness encourages holy living, comforts the righteous, and cautions the sinner: nothing is hidden, and everything matters to Him.
(3)
Beholding the evil and the good.--Waiting till the iniquity of the one is full (
Genesis 15:16), watching to aid the other (
Psalm 34:15;
Psalm 34:17).
Verse 3. -
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding - keeping watch on -
the evil and the good. The omnipresence and omniscience of Jehovah, the covenant God, is strongly insisted upon, and the sacred name recurs continually in this and the next chapter, and indeed throughout this Book of the Proverbs (see Wordsworth,
in loc.). The LXX. renders the verb
σκοπεύοιυσι "are watching," as from a tower or high place. To the usual references we may add Ecclus. 15:18, 19 Ecclus. 23:19, 20. Corn. a Lapide quotes Prudentius's hymn, used in the Latin Church at Thursday Lauds -
"Speculator adstat desuper,
Qui nos diebus omnibus
Actusque nostros prospicit
A luce prima in vesperum."
"For God our Maker, ever nigh,
Surveys us with a watchful eye;
Our every thought and act he knows,
From early dawn to daylight's close."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The eyesעֵינֵ֣י(‘ê·nê)Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainof the LORDיְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelare in everyבְּֽכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyplace,מָ֭קוֹם(mā·qō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a conditionobservingצֹ֝פ֗וֹת(ṣō·p̄ō·wṯ)Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 6822:To lean forward, to peer into the distance, to observe, awaitthe evilרָעִ֥ים(rā·‘îm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7451:Bad, eviland the good.וטוֹבִֽים׃(w·ṭō·w·ḇîm)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, good
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere keeping watch (Prov. Pro Pr)