Why were the egyptians careful not to offend their gods?

Answer 1

One must realise that for the Ancient Egyptians, the gods were part of every aspect of their lives. There were gods for war and childbirth, the harvest and the inundation, justice and the sun. They believed that if they served them in their temples and performed their daily rituals on their cult images, the gods would descend from heaven and dwell in their cult images and in the temples, therefore blessing and benefiting the people. In the time of Akenaten, when the temples of all the gods apart from the Aten were neglected, the people believed the gods had turned their backs on Egypt and when Akenaten died they were quick to reestablish their temple and the daily rituals in order to please the gods.

Furthermore, the ancient Egyptians believed in 'Maat', who not only was the goddess of justice, but was the concept of Justice. If the people followed 'Maat', that they lived good and just lives, they would maintain the balance of harmony and would therefore be rewarded, in this life and the next.

Answer 2

they are afraid to be punished with horrible tortures.