Book of Proverbs - Chapter 15 - Verse 11

This verse from Proverbs 15:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the omniscience and omnipotence of the Lord. It paints a vivid picture of the vastness of His presence and knowledge, suggesting that even the depths of hell and destruction are not hidden from Him. The verse then poses a thought-provoking question - if God sees and understands the depths of hell and destruction, how much more does He know the hearts of men? This question challenges us to consider the state of our own hearts and the intentions behind our actions. It serves as a reminder that God sees beyond our outward appearance and into the deepest recesses of our hearts. This verse encourages us to seek righteousness and purity in our hearts, knowing that they are laid bare before the Lord. It reminds us that our thoughts and intentions are not hidden from God, and that we must strive to align them with His will.

In this verse, the word 'hell' comes from the Hebrew word Sheol, which refers to the place of the dead, often translated as 'the grave' in other versions of the Bible. Sheol was believed to be a shadowy underworld where both the righteous and the wicked would go after death. The term 'destruction' is also significant as it conveys the idea of ruin or utter destruction. The verse emphasizes the omnipresence and omniscience of the LORD by stating that even Sheol and destruction are before Him. The rhetorical question that follows - "how much more then the hearts of the children of men?" - highlights the fact that God not only sees the physical realm but also knows the innermost thoughts and intentions of human beings. This verse serves as a reminder of God's all-encompassing knowledge and his awareness of the deepest parts of our being.