What does "the LORD is far from the wicked" imply about God's nature?

Key Verse

“The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” (Proverbs 15:29)

---

Immediate Contrast

• “Far from the wicked” – distance

• “Hears the prayer of the righteous” – nearness

The verse frames God’s relationship to people in moral, not spatial, terms.

---

What the Phrase Reveals about God’s Nature

---

God’s Holiness

• God is morally pure (Habakkuk 1:13).

• Sin creates a barrier (Isaiah 59:2).

• His holiness demands separation from persistent evil.

---

God’s Justice

• He judges unrepentant wickedness (Psalm 7:11).

• Distance signals divine disapproval and forthcoming judgment (John 3:36).

---

God’s Relational Integrity

• “Far” describes broken fellowship, not inability to locate (Psalm 139:7–12 shows His omnipresence).

• Nearness is covenantal; distance is relational consequence (James 4:8).

---

God’s Attentiveness to the Righteous

• He bends toward those who fear Him (Psalm 34:15; 145:18–20).

• Righteousness is granted through faith and obedience (Romans 3:22; 1 John 3:22).

---

God’s Mercy Still Extended

• The wicked may draw near through repentance (Isaiah 55:6–7).

• Christ bridges the gap (1 Peter 3:18).

• Refusal to repent leaves the distance intact (Hebrews 10:26–27).

---

Supporting Scriptures

• Psalm 66:18 – cherished sin blocks prayer.

• Proverbs 28:9 – ignoring God’s law makes prayer detestable.

• Micah 3:4 – God hides His face from evildoers.

• John 9:31 – “We know that God does not listen to sinners.”

---

Practical Takeaways

• Treasure holiness; unconfessed sin disrupts fellowship.

• Approach God confidently through Christ’s righteousness (Hebrews 4:16).

• Intercede for the lost, knowing God remains willing to save (2 Peter 3:9).

• Daily confession and obedience keep the channel of prayer open (1 John 1:9).