Mishle 21:2

2 Every derech ish is yashar (right) in his own eynayim, but Hashem weigheth the hearts.

Mishle 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.

Mishle 21:2 In-Context

1 1 The lev melech is in the yad Hashem, as the channels of mayim; He directeth it wherever He will.

2 Every derech ish is yashar (right) in his own eynayim, but Hashem weigheth the hearts.

3 To do tzedakah and mishpat is more acceptable to Hashem than zevach.

4 A high and haughty eye, and a proud lev—ner resha’im (the lamp of the wicked ones)—are chattat (sin).

5 The plans of the kharutz (diligent) lead surely to profit; but of every one that is hasty surely to machsor (poverty, want).