Proverbs 5:21

21 For human ways are under the eyes of the Lord, and he examines all their 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 lovely deer, a graceful doe. May her breasts satisfy you at all times; may you be intoxicated always by her love.
20 Why should you be intoxicated, my son, by another woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress?
21 For human ways are under the eyes of the Lord, and he examines all their paths.
22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare them, and they are caught in the toils of their sin.
23 They die for lack of discipline, and because of their great folly they are lost.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.