15:29

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

29a
The LORD is far from the wicked,

29b but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

15:29a–b

The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous: Because of the parallel contrast, the phrase far from the wicked implies that the LORD ⌊does not listen to their prayers⌋ . Another implied contrast is that he ⌊is near to⌋ the righteous. Specifically, he hears and answers their prayers.

The word far is used figuratively here. It does not refer to literal distance. In some languages, it may be clearer to state the meaning without a figure of speech. For example:

29a The Lord does not listen to the wicked, 29b but he hears the prayers of those who do right. (New Century Version)

General Comment on 15:29a–b

This proverb gives a negative response (“does not listen”) in the first line. It gives a positive response (“hears”) in the second line. In some languages, it may be more natural to give the positive response first. For example:

29b When good people pray, the Lord listens, 29a but he ignores those who are evil. (Good News Translation)

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