Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
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)
דֶּרֶךְ
Every way
H1870
דֶּרֶךְ
Every way
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)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:2All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.Proverbs 16:25There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.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.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.Proverbs 30:12There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.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.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?Psalms 36:2For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.James 1:22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Historical Context
Judges weighed evidence to determine justice. God's perfect weighing of hearts ensures no hidden sin escapes notice, no sincere intention goes unrewarded.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you combat the tendency to judge yourself by intentions while judging others by actions?
- What does God's weighing reveal about your heart's true state?
Analysis & Commentary
This repeats 16:2's warning against self-deception. Human self-justification is unreliable—only God's evaluation matters. The heart's weighing reveals motives hidden from external observers and even from ourselves. We need divine illumination to see ourselves truly.