Proverbs 15:3
Proverbs 15:3 in Multiple Translations
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, Keeping watch upon the evil and the good.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
The Lord sees everywhere, watching the evil and the good.
The eyes of the Lord in euery place beholde the euill and the good.
In every place are the eyes of Jehovah, Watching the evil and the good.
The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
The eyes of the Lord in every place behold the good and the evil.
Yahweh sees [MTY] what is happening everywhere; he observes what bad people do as well as what good people do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 15:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּֽ/כָל
מָ֭קוֹם
עֵינֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
צֹ֝פ֗וֹת
רָעִ֥ים
ו/טוֹבִֽים
בְּֽ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מָ֭קוֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צֹ֝פ֗וֹת
tsâphâh
H6822
to watch
V-Qal
רָעִ֥ים
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
ו/טוֹבִֽים
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:3
בְּֽ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מָ֭קוֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צֹ֝פ֗וֹת
tsâphâh
H6822
"to watch"
V-Qal
Tsaphah means to watch or observe, often by leaning forward to see into the distance. It can also mean to wait or keep watch, like a guard.
Definition: 1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch 1a)(Qal) to keep watch, spy 1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man). See also: Genesis 31:49; Proverbs 31:27; Psalms 5:4.
רָעִ֥ים
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
ו/טוֹבִֽים
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:3
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:3
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.
4A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. 5A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 4:13 | Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 16:17 | For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 23:24 | “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 16:9 | For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 5:21 | For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. |
| 6 | Job 31:4 | Does He not see my ways and count my every step? |
| 7 | Job 34:21–22 | For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 32:19 | the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds. |
Proverbs 15:3 Summary
This verse means that God is always watching everything that happens, whether it's good or bad. He sees our thoughts, words, and actions, and He cares about what we do. This should encourage us to live a life that honors Him, knowing that He is always with us (Psalms 139:7-10). By remembering that God's eyes are on us, we can be motivated to make good choices and trust in His loving care for our lives (Hebrews 11:6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the eyes of the LORD are in every place?
This means that God is all-seeing and aware of everything that happens, whether good or evil, as stated in Proverbs 15:3. This is similar to what is said in Psalms 139:7-10, where it is written that God's presence is everywhere and that He sees everything.
Is God only watching for evil, or is He also watching for good?
According to Proverbs 15:3, God is watching for both the evil and the good. This is reassuring because it means that God is not just a judge, but also a rewarder of those who do good, as seen in Hebrews 11:6.
How should this truth affect my daily life?
Knowing that God sees everything should motivate us to live a life of integrity and obedience to Him, as stated in Proverbs 15:3. This is also in line with what is written in Colossians 3:17, where we are told to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Does this mean that God is constantly spying on me?
No, God's watching is not like human spying, but rather a loving and sovereign care for His creation, as seen in Matthew 10:29-31. He sees everything, not to catch us in sin, but to guide and protect us, as stated in Psalms 121:4-8.
Reflection Questions
- How does the fact that God sees everything I do affect my behavior and decisions?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that His eyes are always on me?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to be more mindful of God's watching presence?
- How can I use this truth to encourage myself when I feel like no one is watching or caring about my actions?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the Lord [are] in every place,.... Which are expressive of his omniscience, of the full, clear, distinct, and perfect knowledge, which he has of all creatures and things; so that nothing
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
The eyes of the Lord; his knowledge and providence. The evil; who are first mentioned, because they either doubt of or deny God’ s providence.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.Ver. 3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place.] He is πανοφθαλμος, all-eye: and his providence like a well drawn picture, that vieweth all that come into the room. I know thy works, and thy labour; not thy works only, but thy labour in doing them. And as for the offender, though he think to hide himself from God, by hiding God from himself, yet God is nearer to him than the bark is to the tree; "for in him all things subsist," "and move"; - understand it to be the mind’ s motions also. And this the very heathen saw by nature’ s rush candle. For Thales Milesius being asked, Whether the gods knew not when a man doth ought amiss? Yea, said he, if he do but think amiss. Deus intimior nobis intimo nostro, saith another, God is nearer to us, than we are to ourselves. Repletively he is everywhere, though inclusively nowhere. Nusquam est, et ubique est.
As for the world, it is to him as "a sea of glass"; corpus diaphanum - a clear transparent body; he sees through it. Beholding the evil and the good.] The evil are first mentioned, because they make question of this truth. But what saith a worthy divine, yet alive: Think not that he who is invisible cannot see; God, like the optic virtue in the eye, sees all, and is seen of none. No man needs a window in his breast (as the heathen Momus wished), for God to look in at; every man before God is all window. The eyes of Christ are "as a flaming fire." And the school of nature teacheth that the fiery eye needs no outward light, that sees extra mittendo, by sending out a ray, &c. Vide Sen. Ep. ad Lucil. 34. Interest animis nostris et cogitationibus. - Sen.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
(3) Beholding the evil and the good.—Waiting till the iniquity of the one is full (Genesis 15:16), watching to aid the other (Psalms 34:15; Psalms 34:17).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
Verse 3. The eyes of the Lord are in every place] He not only sees all things, by his omnipresence, but his providence is everywhere. And if the consideration that his eye is in every place, have a tendency to appal those whose hearts are not right before him, and who seek for privacy, that they may commit iniquity; yet the other consideration, that his providence is everywhere, has a great tendency to encourage the upright, and all who may be in perilous or distressing circumstances.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:3
3. beholding] Rather, keeping watch upon, R.V. σκοπεύουσι, LXX. The word is commonly used of a watchman (1 Samuel 14:16; 2 Samuel 13:34; 2 Samuel 18:24), and calls up the figure of the Almighty observing, as it were, from His lofty watch-tower in heaven all the doings of the dwellers upon earth. The same word is rendered, looketh well to, Proverbs 31:27.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:3
The teaching which began with the fear of the Lord Proverbs 1:7 would not be complete without this assertion of His omni-present knowledge.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:3
3. Beholding the evil (the wicked) and the good — In order, as is implied, to judge accurately of their character and conduct, and to reward and punish accordingly.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
This Heart Is Too Small - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the message to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, emphasizing the importance of being true and faithful witnesses before God. It highlights the need to |
|
God - No Absentee Landlord by Bill Wright | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for transparent honesty, security, and encouragement in the family of God. He shares how the 139th Psalm has personally encouraged h |
|
The Omnipresence of God by Roy Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three attributes of God that are interconnected and have the power to radically transform lives. The sermon begins with a personal anecdote a |
|
The Lord Examines Our Paths by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the profound truth that every action and motive of our lives is fully exposed to the Lord, who meticulously examines our paths. There is no hiding from God' |
|
Special Rules for Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of young men committing to a life of holiness and diligence in their Christian walk. He urges them to break off every known sin, avoid occasions |
|
Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |
|
Dark Recesses by Frederick William Faber | Frederick William Faber preaches about the universal tendency to hide certain aspects of ourselves from God, fearing the discomfort or change that may come with exposing those hidd |