Proverbs 5:21

21 For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.

Proverbs 5:21 in Other Translations

KJV
21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.
ESV
21 For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths.
NLT
21 For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.
MSG
21 Mark well that God doesn't miss a move you make; he's aware of every step you take.
CSB
21 For a man's ways are before the Lord's eyes, and He considers all his paths.

Proverbs 5:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 5:21

For the ways of a man [are] before the eyes of the Lord
Both good and bad; the ways of a chaste and virtuous man, who cleaves to his own wife and shuns the harlot, which are approved of by the Lord; and the ways of a lewd man, all the impure thoughts, desires, and contrivances of his mind, and all the steps he takes to commit lewdness, and all the filthy actions he is guilty of, these are all open and naked to the omniscient God: the adulterer seeks the twilight, and flatters himself with secrecy, not considering that the eye of God is upon him; there are many, that, were their filthy actions known to men, they would be ashamed of them; and this consideration greatly deters from them, and puts them upon secret ways of committing them; much more should the consideration of the divine omniscience weigh with them to avoid them; which is the argument here made use of; and he pondereth all his goings;
he not only sees them, but takes notice of them, and observes them, and ponders them in his mind, and lays them up there, in order to bring to an account for them hereafter; yea, he weighs them in the balance of justice, and will proportion the punishment unto them, according to the rules of it; when it must go ill with those that follow such lewd practices, ( Hebrews 13:4 ) ( Revelation 22:12 Revelation 22:15 ) .

Proverbs 5:21 In-Context

19 A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
20 Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife? Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?
21 For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.
22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast.
23 For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.

Cross References 3

  • 1. S Psalms 119:168; Hosea 7:2
  • 2. Jeremiah 29:23
  • 3. S Job 10:4; S Job 14:16; Job 31:4; Job 34:21; Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 16:17; Jeremiah 32:19; S Hebrews 4:13
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