Proverbs 21:2

2 You may think that everything you do is right, but remember that the Lord judges your motives.

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 The Lord controls the mind of a king as easily as he directs the course of a stream.

2 You may think that everything you do is right, but remember that the Lord judges your motives.

3 Do what is right and fair; that pleases the Lord more than bringing him sacrifices.

4 Wicked people are controlled by their conceit and arrogance, and this is sinful.

5 Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough.