Proverbs 15:29 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 15:29 mean?

Proverbs 15:29 teaches that the LORD keeps his distance from those who do evil, but listens when upright people pray. The verse draws a clear line between those who reject God’s ways and those who seek to live rightly, showing that God’s attention is not given equally to everyone.

In this proverb, the writer (traditionally Solomon) is offering wisdom about how God relates to people based on their character. The verse is part of a larger section contrasting the outcomes for the wicked and the righteous. The focus here is not on outward religion but on the moral direction of a person’s life, highlighting that God responds to sincere, upright people.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 15:29

• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing God’s covenant relationship with his people. Its use here underlines that this is not just any god, but the God of Israel who cares about righteousness.
• far (רָחוֹק, rachoq): This word means distant or removed. It suggests not just physical distance, but a lack of relational closeness or favor—God is not involved with the wicked in the same way.
• wicked (רָשָׁע, rasha‘): This term refers to people who act unjustly or are morally corrupt, not just those who make mistakes but those who persistently reject what is right.
• heareth (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This means to listen or pay attention, often with the sense of responding. God’s “hearing” is active, implying that he is willing to engage with the prayers of the righteous.
• prayer (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah): This is the general Hebrew word for prayer, covering requests, pleas, or worship. The verse emphasizes that God is attentive to the prayers of those who live rightly.
• righteous (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq): This refers to someone who is just, upright, or living according to God’s standards. The focus is on a person’s character and actions, not just their beliefs.

Why Proverbs 15:29 matters

• Proverbs 15:29 clarifies that God’s response to people is not automatic or mechanical; it depends on the moral direction of their lives, not just their words or rituals.
• The verse helps correct the idea that anyone can expect God to listen regardless of their actions, stressing the importance of living rightly.
• In the context of Proverbs, this verse reinforces the broader theme that wisdom and righteousness lead to God’s favor, while wickedness leads to separation from him.