Proverbs 15:29
ESV
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
NIV
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
NASB
The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
CSB
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
NLT
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
KJV
The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
NKJV
The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
What does Proverbs 15:29 mean?
The apostle Paul underscores the fact that righteousness and lawlessness are incompatible. So are light and darkness, Christ and the Devil, a believer's portion and that of an unbeliever, the temple of God and idols (2 Corinthians 6:14–16). The Lord is holy, holy, holy, high and lifted up (Isaiah 6:1–3). He cannot coexist with sin (Habakkuk 1:13).To distinguish from God being intimate and attentive, Solomon notes that God is "far from" those who reject His commands (Proverbs 4:14; 10:27). In Ephesians 2:12 Paul calls upon the Ephesians to "remember that you were at that time separated from Christ." An unbeliever may appear religious by attending church, reciting prayers, and donating money. However, if someone has not come to God through faith in Jesus (John 14:6), he is alienated from God.
On the other hand, whoever believes in Jesus as Savior is close to God, and God hears his prayers. As a matter of fact, God invites believers to confidently approach His throne, expecting both mercy and help with their prayerful needs (Hebrews 4:16).
