What does Proverbs 15:3 mean?
Nothing escapes the Lord's attention. His eyes watch everywhere, seeing all things (Hebrews 4:13). This seems like common sense, but it's a reminder every person needs to hear. We tend to assume we can hide things from God, or that He might not notice when we sin. In truth, there is no hiding from God (Psalm 139:7–12).When King David sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband murdered, he tried to cover his sins, but God saw them. He sent the prophet Nathan to confront David. Nathan boldly accused David of doing evil in the Lord's sight (2 Samuel 12:9). Early in the Christian church, Ananias and Sapphira assumed they could hide their sin of hypocrisy, but they were wrong. The Lord was aware of their deception and exposed it. Peter asked Ananias, "Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God" (Acts 5:4). Their sin cost Ananias and his wife Sapphira their lives (Acts 5:5, 9–10).
Just as importantly, the Lord also sees the good (Matthew 10:40–42). Hebrews 11 lists faithful believers who honored God. The chapter shows clearly that the Lord sees the good and rewards those who do good.
Proverbs 15:1–5 focuses on the wisdom of responding correctly to disagreement and correction. Several verses note the value in "soft" or "gentle" answers in resolving conflict. Those who unleash a torrent of attacks and criticisms are foolish, compared to those who take the time to consider an answer. Solomon reminds the reader that God sees and knows all, and he gives another reminder of the importance of listening to wise counselors.
Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control and how those reactions produce different responses from others. That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions. Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it. Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant. Solomon also notes the importance of perspective, and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.
