Proverbs 15:3
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”
I have always been fascinated by the comment Jesus made to Nathaniel when they first met; the Gospel of John records,
John 1:47-48
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’ Nathanael said to Him, ‘How do You know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’”
The possibilities are endless as to what Nathaniel may have been doing under that tree, but we know for sure, whether it was good or bad, God was watching and loved him, regardless.
I wonder, “How are you spending your time when it seems that no one is watching?” How might those times change if we kept in mind, the eyes of the Lord are always upon us?
Pastor Jim
Questions for Proverbs 15
1. Verse 1 deal with the tongue. The way we answer another person will have an effect on the response. To turn away wrath and seek peace we should choose gentle words. Are you in the practice of maintaining the peace or do you find yourself raising your voice and using harsh words to trigger a response?
2. Verse 3 tells us about God’s omniscience. Our lives are open books to God. The Lord knows everyone completely and this verse is an incentive for our conduct. As a Christian do you find great comfort in this fact that God sees you clearly? If you have yet to become a Christian, has this verse pricked your heart with concern for your eternal destiny?
3. Verse 10 speaks of the necessity of discipline. Some people hate to be told they are wrong and there are others that will not accept any kind of advice. This proverb is clear that discipline must be used for those who go astray. Are you one who does not like to receive correction?
4. Verse 14 shows us that the wise person has a strong desire to discover knowledge. What we nourish our mind with is just as important as what we feed our bodies with. Are you choosing to feed on Godly books, music, and films? Do you find yourself compromising to the world?
5. Verse 16-17 stress that spiritual things are far better than material wealth. Loving relationships are more desirable than a great supper where there is hatred. All too often wealth replaces love in a family. How is your family life? Is it loving with a fear of the Lord? Do you find that your fridge is full of filet mignon and there is hatred? God says a humble meal with love is the best.
6. Verse 22 shows us the value of advice. This is a general observation on the personal and national level. Are you surrounding yourself with good Godly counselors? Are they directing you to God’s Word? He is the mighty counselor.
7. Verse 33 begins with “the fear of the Lord.” If we humbly submit in faith to the Lord it will bring wisdom and honor. The most important lesson here is for us to learn to come with humility to learn of God. We all need that lesson.
Jim Gallagher 