Proverbs 16:2

¶ All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.

All the ways {H1870} of a man {H376} are clean {H2134} in his own eyes {H5869}; but the LORD {H3068} weigheth {H8505} the spirits {H7307}.

All a man's ways are pure in his own view, but ADONAI weighs the spirit.

All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.

Proverbs 16:2 presents a profound insight into human nature and divine judgment, serving as a foundational truth in the wisdom literature of the Bible. This verse contrasts man's biased self-perception with God's unerring discernment of the heart.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom sayings, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and flourishing life. Often attributed to King Solomon, these proverbs frequently highlight the difference between human understanding and divine wisdom, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all aspects of life. Proverbs 16, in particular, focuses on the Lord's control over human plans and purposes, beginning with the idea that while man makes plans, God directs the outcome. Verse 2 fits perfectly within this theme, underscoring that human actions, no matter how justified in one's own mind, are ultimately subject to God's precise and internal evaluation.

Key Themes

  • Human Self-Deception: The verse highlights a common human tendency towards self-deception regarding one's own motives and actions. People often view their own paths as "clean" or pure, even when they may be flawed or driven by impure intentions. This self-justification is a pervasive aspect of the fallen human condition.
  • Divine Scrutiny: This stands in stark contrast to the divine perspective, where God does not merely observe outward behavior but penetrates to the deepest intentions and true character of a person. God's judgment is not based on appearances or human rationalizations, but on the inner disposition.
  • True Righteousness: The verse implies that genuine righteousness before God is not merely about outward conformity to rules or actions, but about the purity of one's heart and motives. It challenges us to look beyond superficial cleanliness to the true condition of our inner being.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "clean" (*ṭahor*) often refers to ceremonial or moral purity. In the context of "clean in his own eyes," it points to a subjective sense of blamelessness that may not align with objective truth.
  • "Weigheth" comes from the Hebrew root *takan*, meaning to weigh, measure, or examine precisely. This conveys the idea of God's perfect and accurate assessment, not merely a casual glance. It suggests a meticulous and just evaluation.
  • "Spirits" is from the Hebrew *ruach*, which can mean breath, wind, or spirit. In this context, it refers to the inner self, the disposition, the motives, and the very essence of a person's character. God judges the heart and the true intentions behind every action.

Practical Application

Proverbs 16:2 serves as a powerful reminder for self-examination and humility. It encourages us to:

  • Examine Our Motives: Rather than trusting our own often-biased self-assessment, we should regularly ask God to reveal the true motives of our hearts.
  • Seek God's Perspective: Recognize that God's judgment is ultimate and perfect. Our focus should be on living in a way that is pleasing to Him, not just to ourselves or others.
  • Cultivate a Pure Heart: True spiritual health comes from a heart that is aligned with God's will, not just from outward actions. As Proverbs 21:2 also states, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts."
  • Live with Humility: Acknowledge our human tendency to self-deceive and rely on God's grace and truth for genuine cleansing and guidance.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 21:2

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

  • 1 Samuel 16:7

    But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

  • Luke 16:15

    And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

  • Proverbs 30:12

    [There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.

  • Jeremiah 17:10

    I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

  • Proverbs 24:12

    If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider [it]? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth [not] he know [it]? and shall [not] he render to [every] man according to his works?

  • Psalms 36:2

    For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
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