Proverbs 21:2

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

Every way {H1870} of a man {H376} is right {H3477} in his own eyes {H5869}: but the LORD {H3068} pondereth {H8505} the hearts {H3826}.

All a person's ways are right in his own view, but ADONAI weighs the heart.

All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

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

Proverbs 21:2 offers a profound insight into human nature and divine omniscience, contrasting man's self-perception with God's perfect discernment. This proverb serves as a vital reminder that true judgment belongs to the Almighty.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, practical guidelines for living a righteous and successful life according to God's principles. Often presented as concise couplets, these proverbs highlight contrasts and offer sharp observations about human behavior, morality, and the consequences of actions. This particular verse fits within the broader theme of divine sovereignty and the limitations of human understanding, a recurring motif in wisdom literature.

Key Themes

  • Human Self-Deception: The first part of the verse, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes," speaks to the innate human tendency to rationalize, justify, and find faultless one's own actions and motives. People often evaluate their own conduct subjectively, leading to a distorted view of their own righteousness or moral standing. This concept is echoed in other biblical texts that highlight the deceitfulness of the human heart.
  • Divine Omniscience and True Judgment: The contrasting phrase, "but the LORD pondereth the hearts," reveals God's perfect and comprehensive knowledge. While man sees only the outward appearance or judges based on superficial criteria, God looks beyond actions to the inner motives, intentions, and true character of a person. The Hebrew word for "pondereth" (takan) implies a meticulous weighing, measuring, or assessing with precision, much like a refiner testing metal. This theme is powerfully articulated in 1 Samuel 16:7, where the LORD tells Samuel, "for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
  • The Heart as the Core: The "hearts" (Hebrew: lev) in biblical understanding represent not just emotions, but the entire inner person—the mind, will, conscience, and the seat of one's desires and intentions. It is the very core of one's being, which God alone can truly evaluate. This proverb has a close parallel in Proverbs 16:2, which states, "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits."

Linguistic Insights

The term "pondereth" comes from the Hebrew verb takan (תָּכַן), which means to measure, weigh, or examine with careful precision. It suggests a thorough and accurate assessment, far beyond human capability. This word emphasizes God's exact and infallible judgment of the human heart's true condition, rather than just its outward presentation.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a sober reminder for believers and non-believers alike. It calls for humility and self-examination, encouraging us not to trust our own subjective judgments but to constantly seek God's perspective. Recognizing that God sees our true motives should inspire us to cultivate a pure heart and genuine intentions, rather than merely performing outwardly righteous deeds. It reassures us that God knows our struggles and intentions, even when others (or even we ourselves) misunderstand them, while also warning against self-deception and hypocrisy in our spiritual walk. Our ultimate accountability is to the One who truly knows the heart.

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 16:2

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

  • Proverbs 16:25

    ¶ There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.

  • 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.

  • 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 30:12

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

  • 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.

  • 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?

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