Compare 1 Peter 3:12 with Psalm 34:15. What similarities do you find? Same Truth, Two Testaments • 1 Peter 3:12 openly quotes Psalm 34:15, demonstrating the Spirit-given unity of Scripture. • Both verses deliver the identical core message: God personally observes and hears those who live righteously. “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.” “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.” God’s Eyes on the Righteous • “Eyes of the Lord” reveals His constant, literal surveillance—nothing escapes His notice (Proverbs 15:3; 2 Chronicles 16:9). • His gaze is not cold inspection but loving attention toward those walking in obedience. God’s Ears Open to Prayer • Both passages assure that God’s “ears” are actively listening; He does not merely hear—He inclines, leaning in to respond (Jeremiah 29:12; 1 John 5:14). • The phrase “their prayer/cry” underscores that righteous living is inseparable from a robust prayer life (James 5:16). The Added Contrast in Peter • Peter, led to quote David, adds the sobering line: “the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” • This echoes Psalm 34:16 and stresses that God’s favor is not blanket approval; righteousness invites His smile, evil invites His opposition (Isaiah 59:2). Living in Light of His Watchfulness • Pursue righteousness daily—His eyes are already on you. • Pray with confidence—His ears are already toward you. • Resist evil—His face is against it, and His discipline is certain (Hebrews 12:5-6). |
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