Proverbs 15:3
What does Proverbs 15:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 15:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 15:3 means
Proverbs 15:3 declares God's omnipresence and omniscience, emphasizing that His gaze perpetually surveys all of creation. The "eyes of Yahweh" symbolize His full awareness and knowledge, seeing every action, thought, and intention, whether overtly wicked or outwardly righteous. This isn't a passive observation but an active watching, implying a judicial discernment. The verse posits that nothing is hidden from God; both the secret evils of the wicked and the genuine good deeds of the righteous are equally visible to Him. This serves as a foundational claim for divine accountability, reminding humanity that an all-seeing God is a just God who will ultimately respond to all deeds.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862In every place are the eyes of Jehovah, Watching the evil and the good.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The eyes of the Lord in every place behold the good and the evil.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Context
Proverbs 15, as a whole, presents a series of contrasts illustrating the wisdom and folly of different behaviors and attitudes, particularly concerning speech and conduct. This verse, Proverbs 15:3, directly follows proverbs that discuss the power of the tongue and the consequences of good and bad speech (15:1-2) and precedes verses that further develop themes of humility, wisdom, and the Lord's displeasure with the wicked (15:4-5). By highlighting God's ever-present observation, verse 3 grounds the subsequent warnings and encouragements in the reality of divine accountability. It sets the stage by establishing God as the ultimate judge and standard for all the wisdom and moral principles discussed throughout the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 31:4
Doth not he see my ways, And number all my steps?
- Jeremiah 32:19
great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings;
- Hebrews 4:13
And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
- Jeremiah 23:24
Can any hide himself in secret places so that I shall not see him? saith Jehovah. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith Jehovah.
- Proverbs 5:21
For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah; And he maketh level all his paths.
- 2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
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