Proverbs 21:2

2 Every way of a man is upright in his [own] eyes, but Yahweh weighs hearts.

Proverbs 21:2 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:2

Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes
This is repeated, from ( Proverbs 16:2 Proverbs 16:25 ) ; for the confirmation of it; and that it might be observed and taken notice of, and men be brought under a conviction of it; which is not easily done, it being what affects all men: every man is conceited of himself and his own way, and is not easily persuaded off of it; his sinful ways are agreeable to him promising him pleasure, profit, or honour; and his self-righteous ways suit with the vain opinion he has of himself, whereby he promises himself eternal life and happiness. The Septuagint and Arabic versions render it to this sense,

``every man seems righteous to himself;''

but the Lord pondereth the hearts:
weighs them in the balance of righteousness and truth; considers them, having a perfect knowledge of them, and all the springs of action in them; and knows that every way of man is not right, though they may seem so to him.

Proverbs 21:2 In-Context

1 Streams of water [are] the heart of a king in the hand of Yahweh; {wherever} he will desire, he will turn.

2 Every way of a man is upright in his [own] eyes, but Yahweh weighs hearts.

3 Doing righteousness and justice is [more] acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.

4 Haughtiness of [the] eyes and pride of heart, [the] lamp of the wicked [are] sin.

5 The plans of the diligent only [lead] to abundance, but all who are hasty, only to want.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "minds"