The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
The LORD stays distant from wicked people, but he listens to the prayers of those who do what's right.
This verse teaches that God responds to people based on how they live - he distances himself from those who choose evil but eagerly listens when good people pray to him.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of King Solomon, who is traditionally credited with writing Proverbs, the book served as a collection of wise sayings to guide the ancient Israelites in everyday life and moral decisions. This verse reflects the broader biblical theme of God's justice, where He maintains a distance from those who persist in wrongdoing, as seen in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. It draws from the cultural understanding in ancient Near Eastern societies that righteousness leads to divine favor, while wickedness results in separation from God.
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