The prophetic word is either a reference to the Old Testament as a whole (2 Peter 1:21) or specifically to those Scriptures that are focused on final eschatological events.1 To pay attention to these words is to embrace them as being true and act upon them. To do well refers to doing what is right and correct (Mark 7:37; Acts 10:33; 1 Corinthians 7:37–38; Philippians 4:14; James 2:8, James 2:19; 3 John 1:6). Paying attention to the prophets is thus the right thing to do.2
19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,