THE EYES OF THE LORD
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3
There is nothing more basic, or more important, than an accurate understanding of the reality and attributes of the true God. Most of the world’s population has always been steeped in idolatry. The Israelites were exposed to idolatry when they were in Egyptian bondage. After their exodus from Egypt, while Moses was spending time on the mountain with God, they convinced Aaron to build a golden calf. The Canaanites, whose land the Israelites were to occupy, were given to idolatry. The worship of man-made idols, as well as the worship of God’s creation, were and are still commonly practiced. When God’s people were in captivity in Babylon, they were commanded to bow down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. The churches of the New Testament were also founded in cities where idol worship prevailed.
It is amazing that corrupt and depraved man can be content with a god that he created, either literally or by formulating this false image in his mind. However, our God is the true and living God. He knows all things, sees all things, created all things, and occupies all space. God is not what we imagine Him to be or desire for Him to be; He is what He claims to be, and the Bible reveals Him as He is. The Word of God declares His existence, His attributes, His character, and His purpose.
Our lives will be greatly influenced by the way we view God. Our text tells us that His eyes “are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” For one thing, we know that God is not amoral. There are definite standards of right and wrong as far as God is concerned. God has established absolutes and has declared a system of values, which He demands. Also, an accurate concept of God is the understanding that He sees everything in every place at all times. He sees both the evil and the good.
Knowing this has a tremendous effect on our lives. It will serve as a deterrent when we are tempted to do wrong. Some may think that such a respect and fear of God is harmful; but to the contrary, it is healthy. This awareness also provides a motivation to do what is right because God is watching at all times. He sees, He knows, and He will justly reward every deed, both good and evil.