“Death” is the abode of the dead, whether righteous or unrighteous. “Destruction” is the realm of ruin. They are permanent places from which one can’t return and for which we have no real understanding.
Yet they both “lie open before the LORD” and He knows everything about them. Consequently, He also knows everything about everyone who abides there.
So it is not hard to believe that the LORD also knows “the hearts of men” – that is, everything in the hearts of all of us on this side of death and destruction. Since He knows all this, it is not surprising that He would continually present us with information and opportunities to be prepared for what’s coming in our lives.
If He knows about all that, then it is also reasonable that He knows how we feel and what we really think here and now. He understands our struggles and needs.
So, an appropriate response from us would be to get honest with Him (and ourselves!) about what’s going on. Since He loves us so much, and has the power to do whatever we need, we should also trust Him to do what is best for us.
He knows…He cares…and He can handle our business!