Definition: For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Peter 3:12. It’s a really important message about God’s relationship with us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says God sees and listens to those who are righteous (doing good) and is very concerned about them. Let's unpack that a little bit: “For the eyes of the Lord…” - This isn’t just a literal eye. It means God’s awareness, his judgment, or his attention is focused on us. Think of it like someone constantly watching you. “…are over the righteous…” – This suggests that God is interested in what we do. He's not just passively observing; he’s actively looking out for good behavior. "...and his ears are open unto their prayers:” - This means God is willing to hear and respond to our prayers. He wants to know what we need, and he’ll listen carefully when we ask for help or guidance. “But the face of the Lord…” – This is a really significant part. The “face” represents God's judgment – his righteous anger or displeasure. It means that if we sin or do wrong, God will not tolerate it. He’ll be displeased with us. So, put it all together: God is watching over those who are living righteously and listening to their prayers. But, he will punish those who are evil or sin against him. What does this mean for us? It's a powerful reminder that: God loves us deeply: He’s interested in our well-being and wants to be involved in our lives. We should strive to live righteously: Doing good, being kind, and following God’s rules will earn our favor with Him. We shouldn't take ourselves lightly: Because of God's watchful eye, we need to be careful not to sin. In short, 1 Peter 3:12 is a message of hope – that God cares about us, wants to help us, and will ultimately judge those who oppose Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how we can live righteously?