Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
Original Language Analysis
כָּֽל
H3605
כָּֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דַּרְכֵי
All the ways
H1870
דַּרְכֵי
All the ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
2 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אִ֭ישׁ
of a man
H376
אִ֭ישׁ
of a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in his own eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינָ֑יו
in his own eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
5 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְתֹכֵ֖ן
weigheth
H8505
וְתֹכֵ֖ן
weigheth
Strong's:
H8505
Word #:
6 of 8
to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)
Cross References
Proverbs 21:2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.1 Samuel 16:7But 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 16:15And 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 30:12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.Jeremiah 17:10I 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.Psalms 36:2For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.Proverbs 24:12If 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?Proverbs 5:21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.Isaiah 26:7The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just.Proverbs 16:25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Historical Context
Levitical priests weighed offerings to ensure proper portions. God similarly weighs hearts with perfect accuracy, discerning mixed motives humans rationalize away.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you combat self-deception about the purity of your motives?
- What does God's word reveal about your heart that you tend to overlook?
Analysis & Commentary
Human self-assessment is unreliable—we judge our ways pure while God weighs spirits (motives, intents). This exposes self-deception requiring external, objective evaluation by God's word and Spirit. Reformed theology emphasizes total depravity affecting even our self-knowledge, necessitating divine illumination.