The Bible Edge
Practical Points to Ponder from Proverbs
Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
The attribute of the LORD that is most highlighted in Scripture is the “word of the Lord.” That phrase is used in 261 verses. The “mind of the Lord” is used three times. The “eyes of the Lord,” 22 times. These are all anthropomorphisms which, in these usages, apply human attributes to the Lord God. Through the “eyes of the Lord” everything is seen.
Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
David did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord.
Asa also.
Jehoiakim did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Jehoram wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, as did Ahab.
In cleansing the temple Hezekiah stated that the fathers trespassed in the eyes of the Lord.
Throughout Scripture there is ample evidence that the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
Three times in Proverbs this phrase is used: 5:21, 15:3 and 22:12, but perhaps the greatest promise about the eyes of the Lord is found in the New Testament in I Peter 3:12. There we are promised: For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
Why is this statement important? Why does it matter? Why should every believer in Christ hold it as one of their key verses? Because it can alter our behavior if we truly believe it and live in light of it. It is an Edge, a Bible edge to guide, protect, encourage, and embolden the righteous children of God. For example, if your Bible is open to Proverbs chapter 15, today’s chapter, notice the very first verse. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. How can a person continually give a soft answer in the midst of conflict? One way, a great way, perhaps the only way, is to remember that the eyes of the Lord see it all. He will open His ears to your prayers but will turn His face against those that do evil. You don’t have to defend yourself, the Lord God of all will defend you, somehow, somewhere, and at some time, He will repay. Guaranteed. After all, it is written in Romans 12:19, …Vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord. But how does He know? II 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…
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
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