Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:3, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
American Standard Version
The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
World English Bible version
Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:3 Meaning & Commentary
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. – Proverbs 15:3 (ESV)
There is no escaping the eyes of God. Just because we cannot physically see God does not mean He is not with us, nor does it mean that He is not watching what we do – good or evil. When we face challenges in life and go through hard times, we may be tempted to think, “Does God really see what I am going through”?
This verse in Proverbs 15:3 tells us that God sees everything – the good, the bad, and everything in between. We can hide from others, but we can never hide from God or His presence: Psalm 139:7 – Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? When we understand this truth, the obvious next question is, “If God sees everything and hates evil, why does he not stop it?” There are two truths to this answer.
Firstly, God has given us all free will to do as we choose: 1 Timothy 2:3-4 – This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. This verse illustrates that man’s free will can override God’s desires – God will never override our free will.
Secondly, God has given the earth to man to manage and rule over: Genesis 1:26 – Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
This is why Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.” We need to give God license to interfere in earthy affairs. Although God may see evil, He needs to work through his creation on earth to accomplish His purposes!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:3 to our lives?
We must remind ourselves daily that God sees, knows, and hears everything! Sometimes we may find it “easier” to do what is right in the presence of other human beings rather than God. However, Proverbs 15:3 is a sobering reminder that God does see the good and the evil in our lives and on the earth.
The Bible tells us that God is not “unjust,” which means that He judges fairly and righteously in everything: Hebrews 6:10 – For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. This verse is a reminder that God not only sees but also rewards! You can only reward someone when you see what is done.
God even sees our giving and rewards us accordingly: Matthew 6:3-4 – But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. We can therefore take heart that God is watching, He does see, and He will act in accordance with what is done – whether good or evil.
Consequently, we must stop worrying about what others think, say, or do – and focus on our walk with God. Once we understand that God sees everything and acts according to what is done, we can focus our attention and energy on what pleases Him.
The Bible is filled with “instructions” on living a life that is well-pleasing to God. However, if we believe that God does not see and that He does not answer – we will not bother with how we live our lives and will likely do whatever pleases us. But, knowing that the eyes of The Lord are “in every place,” we will want to do good wherever possible!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that Your eyes are in every place. Please forgive me for where my actions have not brought You glory.
From this day on, help me walk in a way that fully pleases You in everything. I pray that Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
