Proverbs 21:2

2 We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our 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 Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses.

2 We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives.

3 Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance.

4 Arrogance and pride - distinguishing marks in the wicked - are just plain sin.

5 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.