When thou shalt hearken to the voyce of the Lord thy God, to keepe all his Commaundements which I command thee this day, to doe that which is right in the eyes of the Lord thy God. Deuteronomy 13:18 (KJV)
that which is
right in the eyes of the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 13:18 (KJV)
Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Old Testament, is traditionally attributed to Moses and records his final addresses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In the surrounding context Moses warns the people about false prophets who would seek to lead them away from true worship, underscoring the need for discernment and testing any teaching against the truth of God’s Word.
The verse begins with a clear call to attentive obedience: “if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.” This emphasizes that listening is not passive but requires diligence and a willing heart. Obedience is further defined by the command to keep all of God’s commandments that are given that day, indicating a comprehensive responsibility to follow the law in its entirety.
Beyond mere rule‑keeping, the passage stresses doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD. Moral and ethical conduct must accompany obedience; the Israelites—and believers today—are called to align their actions with God’s righteous standards. Some renderings of the promise also speak of loving the LORD and serving Him with all heart and soul, expanding the picture of devotion to include wholehearted love and service.
For contemporary believers the principles remain relevant. Listening to God’s voice occurs through Scripture, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the community of faith. Keeping God’s commandments now finds its fulfillment in Christ’s teachings, while the call to do what is right calls us to live lives marked by integrity, compassion, and justice.
Finally, the broader book of Deuteronomy urges vigilance against false teachings. By grounding ourselves in the revealed word and exercising discernment, we protect ourselves from doctrines that would divert us from true worship. In sum, the passage invites a life of diligent listening, complete obedience, heartfelt love, and moral righteousness, all rooted in the steadfast mercy of the LORD.
