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.
Cross-References
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Hebrews 4:13 (11 votes)
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 (10 votes)
¶ The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good. -
Job 34:21 (8 votes)
For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. -
Jeremiah 32:19 (8 votes)
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 (7 votes)
Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? -
Psalms 11:4 (7 votes)
¶ 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 (6 votes)
For mine eyes [are] upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.
Commentary
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
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:
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.
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.