Pro 15:11 | KingComments | STEP | The development of thought in these two lines of verse is an argument from the lesser to the greater (“how much more”). “tomb” (Sheol) and “decay” (Abaddon) represent the remote underworld and all the powerful forces that reside there but are powerless there ( ; ; ; ). This area is completely beyond the perception of humans, but has no secret to God. That this remote region with its inhabitants lies open to Him means that He is omniscient. This also means that He certainly also knows “the hearts of men”. The word “hearts” means the motives and thoughts ( ). The eyes of the LORD not only see all men and their deeds ( ), but He also sees their hearts and all that is in them. No man knows his own heart, let alone another’s, but God knows every heart ( ; ; ). He knows every intention of every individual.

‏ Proverbs 15:11

Everything Lies Open Before the LORD

The development of thought in these two lines of verse is an argument from the lesser to the greater (“how much more”). “tomb” (Sheol) and “decay” (Abaddon) represent the remote underworld and all the powerful forces that reside there but are powerless there (Job 26:6; Psa 139:8; Amos 9:2; Rev 9:11). This area is completely beyond the perception of humans, but has no secret to God. That this remote region with its inhabitants lies open to Him means that He is omniscient. This also means that He certainly also knows “the hearts of men”.

The word “hearts” means the motives and thoughts (Psa 44:21b). The eyes of the LORD not only see all men and their deeds (Pro 15:3), but He also sees their hearts and all that is in them. No man knows his own heart, let alone another’s, but God knows every heart (Jer 17:10; Jn 2:25; Heb 4:12-13). He knows every intention of every individual.