Proverbs 5:21

For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

For the ways {H1870} of man {H376} are before {H5227} the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, and he pondereth {H6424} all his goings {H4570}.

For ADONAI is watching a man's ways; he surveys all his paths.

For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths.

For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah; And he maketh level all his paths.

Commentary on Proverbs 5:21 (KJV)

Proverbs 5:21 declares, "For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings." This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's omnipresence and perfect knowledge, providing a foundational reason for the warnings against immorality and folly presented throughout the book of Proverbs.

Context

Proverbs chapter 5 is primarily a strong admonition against sexual immorality, specifically warning against the lure of the "strange woman" or adulteress. The preceding verses vividly describe the destructive path of such relationships, emphasizing their bitter end and ultimate ruin. Verse 21 acts as a theological anchor for these warnings, asserting that no secret sin, no hidden deed, and no private thought escapes the Lord's intimate knowledge of every thought and path. It highlights that accountability is inevitable because God is the ultimate witness and judge of all human conduct, reinforcing the call to wisdom and righteous living.

Key Themes

  • Divine Omniscience: The verse explicitly states that "the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD," emphasizing God's all-seeing nature. Nothing is hidden from Him—every action, every intention, and every secret is fully exposed to His gaze. This theme underscores the futility of attempting to conceal sin.
  • Divine Accountability: Because God sees all, there is an inherent system of divine justice and accountability. The phrase "he pondereth all his goings" signifies that God not only observes but also carefully evaluates and weighs every step a person takes. This means that consequences, both good and bad, are directly tied to one's conduct, serving as a sober reminder of how all things are open and laid bare before God.
  • Call to Integrity: The knowledge that God sees and evaluates everything should naturally lead to a life of integrity and moral uprightness. It encourages individuals to make choices that align with divine wisdom, knowing that their true character is transparent before their Creator.

Linguistic Insights

The word "pondereth" in the KJV text comes from the Hebrew verb palas (פָּלַס). This word means to "weigh," "balance," "make level," or "consider carefully." It implies a meticulous and precise evaluation, not just a casual glance. God does not merely observe; He actively and justly assesses every aspect of a person's life journey. This suggests an active and involved deity who is deeply concerned with human morality and will dispense justice accordingly.

Practical Application

Proverbs 5:21 has profound implications for daily living:

  • Encouragement for Righteousness: Knowing that God sees and values every good deed, even those done in secret, can be a great source of encouragement for those striving to live righteously. Your efforts do not go unnoticed by the ultimate Judge.
  • Warning Against Hidden Sins: For those tempted to engage in secret sins or believe they can act without consequence, this verse serves as a stark warning. No act, thought, or intention is hidden from God. This concept aligns with the broader biblical principle of divine accountability and future judgment.
  • Motivation for Self-Examination: The verse calls believers to regular self-examination and repentance. If God weighs all our goings, we should also diligently consider our own paths and intentions, seeking to align them with His will.
  • Comfort in Injustice: For those who suffer injustice or are wronged by others, this verse offers comfort. God sees and ponders the ways of all people, meaning that no wrong will ultimately escape His notice or judgment.

Ultimately, Proverbs 5:21 reminds us that we live in a universe governed by a God who is both omniscient and just, making every choice consequential.

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.

  • Hebrews 4:13

    Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

  • Proverbs 15:3

    ¶ The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

  • Job 34:21

    For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

  • Jeremiah 32:19

    Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

  • Job 31:4

    Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?

  • Psalms 11:4

    ¶ The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne [is] in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

  • Jeremiah 16:17

    For mine eyes [are] upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

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