Proverbs 15:29
Proverbs 15:29 in Multiple Translations
The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Jehovah is far from the wicked; But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The Lord is far from sinners, but his ear is open to the prayer of the upright.
The Lord keeps his distance from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the good.
The Lord is farre off from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Far [is] Jehovah from the wicked, And the prayer of the righteous He heareth.
The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The Lord is far from the wicked: and he will hear the prayers of the just.
Yahweh does not listen [MTY] to what wicked people request him to do; he listens to righteous people when they pray.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:29
BAB
Word Study
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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 15:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רָח֣וֹק
יְ֭הוָה
מֵ/רְשָׁעִ֑ים
וּ/תְפִלַּ֖ת
צַדִּיקִ֣ים
יִשְׁמָֽע
רָח֣וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Adj
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מֵ/רְשָׁעִ֑ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Prep | Adj
וּ/תְפִלַּ֖ת
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
Conj | N-fs
צַדִּיקִ֣ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יִשְׁמָֽע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:29
רָח֣וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
יְ֭הוָה
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.
מֵ/רְשָׁעִ֑ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Prep | Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
וּ/תְפִלַּ֖ת
tᵉphillâh
H8605
"prayer"
Conj | N-fs
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
צַדִּיקִ֣ים
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יִשְׁמָֽע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:29
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:29
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
27He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
28The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
29The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
30The light of the eyes cheers the heart, and good news nourishes the bones. 31He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 9:31 | We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. |
| 2 | Psalms 145:18–19 | The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:8 | The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 3:12 | For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” |
| 5 | Psalms 34:15–17 | The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry. But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to wipe out all memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. |
| 6 | James 5:16–18 | Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops. |
| 7 | Ephesians 2:12–13 | remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. |
| 8 | Romans 8:26–27 | In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. |
| 9 | Psalms 66:18–19 | If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer. |
| 10 | Psalms 138:6 | Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar. |
Proverbs 15:29 Summary
[This verse means that God is not close to people who are living sinful lives, but He is always listening to people who are trying to live righteously, as seen in Proverbs 15:29. To be heard by God, we need to strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him, with a heart that is surrendered to His will, as seen in Romans 12:1-2. This does not mean that we have to be perfect, but rather that we are trusting in God's righteousness and living a life that is surrendered to Him. By living this way, we can experience a closer walk with God and have confidence that He hears our prayers.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to be 'far from the wicked' in Proverbs 15:29?
This means that God does not have a close, intimate relationship with those who reject Him and live sinful lives, as seen in Psalm 138:21, which says that God is far from the proud but near to the brokenhearted.
Does this verse mean that God never hears the prayers of wicked people?
While Proverbs 15:29 says that God hears the prayers of the righteous, it does not mean that He never hears the prayers of the wicked; however, as seen in John 9:31, God does not listen to sinners, and their prayers are not effective without repentance and faith.
How can I be sure that God hears my prayers?
According to Proverbs 15:29, God hears the prayers of the righteous, so to be heard by God, one must strive to live a righteous life, as defined in Psalm 37:37, which says that the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
Is being 'righteous' the same as being 'perfect'?
No, being righteous does not mean being perfect; rather, as seen in Romans 3:10, it means trusting in God's righteousness and living a life that is surrendered to Him, with 1 John 1:9 adding that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a righteous life, so that God will hear my prayers?
- How can I be sure that my heart is genuinely seeking after God, and not just trying to manipulate Him into doing what I want?
- In what ways do I need to repent and turn from wickedness, so that I can experience a closer walk with God?
- What are some prayers that I have been praying, and how can I align them with God's will, so that He will hear and answer them?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:29
The Lord [is] far from the wicked,.... Not as to his essence or powerful presence, which is everywhere, for he is God omnipresent; but with respect to his favour and good will, he is far from helping
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:29
The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
Is far from the wicked, to wit, when they pray to him, as the next clause explains, and therefore doth not hear nor regard them, as he is said to be nigh to the righteous, 145:18. But this farness or nearness respecteth not God’ s essence, which is every where, but his gracious and helpful presence.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.Ver. 29. The Lord is far from the wicked.] He was so from the proud Pharisee, who yet got as near God as he could, pressing up to the highest part of the temple. The poor publican, not daring to do so, stood aloof off; yet was God far from the Pharisee, near to the publican. Videte magnum miraculum! saith Augustine, altus est Deus; erigis te, et fugit a te; inclinas te, et descendit ad te, &c.; - Behold a great miracle! God is on high; thou liftest up thyself and he flees from thee; thou bowest thyself downward and he descends to thee. Low things he respects, that he may raise them, proud things he knows afar off, that he may depress them. When a stubborn fellow, being committed, was no whit mollified with his durance, but the contrary, one of the senators said to the rest, Let us forget him a while and then he will remember himself. Such is God’ s dealing with those that stout it out with him. "I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction (if ever) they will seek me early." And it proved so. But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.] "The Lord is near to all that call upon him." "His ears are in their prayers." Yea, he can feel breath when no voice can be heard for faintness.
When the flesh makes such a din that it is hard to hear the Spirit’ s sighs, "He knows the meaning, φρονημα, of the Spirit," and can pick English out of our broken requests; yea, he hears our "afflictions," our "tears," our "chatterings," though we cry to him but by implication only, as "the young ravens" do. It is not with God as with their Jupiter of Crete, that had no ears, that was not at leisure to attend small matters, that had cancellos in coelo, as Lucian feigns, certain crevices or chinks in heaven, through which, at certain times, he looks down upon men, and hears prayers; whereas at other times he hears them not though they call upon him never so long, never so loud. Neither is it with God as with Baal, that pursuing his enemies could not hear his friends; nor yet as with Diana, that, being present at Alexander’ s birth, could not at the same time preserve her Ephesian temple from the fire. "Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off?" Yes, yes, he is both, and delights to distinguish himself from all dunghill deities by hearing prayers. Hereby Manasseh "knew him to be the true God"; and all Israel hereupon cried out with one consent, "The Lord he is God; the Lord he is God." Non vacat exiguis. - Lucian Dialog.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
(29) He heareth the prayer of the righteous.—For they desire above all things to do His will, and so their petitions to this effect are heard by Him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
Verse 29. The Lord is far from the wicked] He is neither near to hear, nor near to help.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:29
29. Comp. John 9:31.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:29
Compare John 9:31.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:29
29. Far from the wicked — Far from them in disposition and approval, therefore answers not their prayers; but he approves the righteous, and therefore answers their petitions. Compare Proverbs 15:8; Psalms 18:41.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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If My People - Part 3 by Shane Idleman | This sermon focuses on the importance of prayer, highlighting the challenges and motivations to ignite prayer in individual lives. It emphasizes the need for a consistent prayer li |
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1 Peter 3:12 by John Gill | John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 3:12, emphasizing that the Lord's eyes are always upon the righteous, not just in the sight of men but through the righteousness of Christ. He reassur |
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The Danger of Neglecting Prayer by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, highlighting how many believers often turn to worldly solutions instead of seeking God firs |
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Day 15, Matthew 15 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the importance of honoring parents by providing for their needs in old age, contrasting it with the Pharisees' tradition of neglecting this duty for the s |
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Alternatives to Revival by C. William Fisher | C. William Fisher addresses the changes in evangelism over the years, noting a decrease in genuine prayer and personal involvement, challenges in creating an evangelistic atmospher |
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1 John 3:22 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the assurance believers have in prayer as expressed in 1 John 3:22, highlighting that God answers prayers made in faith, according to His will, and in the name |
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John 9:24-34. the Pharisees Cast Out the Man Who Was Born Blind. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the contrast between the conduct of the Pharisees and the man born blind, highlighting the sincerity of the beggar's faith and the Pharisees' hypocr |