Proverbs 21:2

2 A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.

Proverbs 21:2 in Other Translations

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.

2 People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart.

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

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

2 A person thinks everything he does is right, but the LORD weighs hearts.

2 All the ways of a man seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives.

2 Everything a man does might seem right to him. But the LORD knows what he is thinking.

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 In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

2 A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.

3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.

5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Cross References

• 1. S Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 24:12; Luke 16:15