Proverbs 21:2 kjv

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

Proverbs 21:2 nkjv

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.

Proverbs 21:2 niv

A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.

Proverbs 21:2 esv

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.

Proverbs 21:2 nlt

People may be right in their own eyes,
but the LORD examines their heart.

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 2 Meaning

This proverb highlights a fundamental contrast between human self-perception and divine scrutiny. Humans often believe their actions, motivations, and overall way of life are entirely right and justifiable from their own limited perspective. However, the LORD, with perfect knowledge and discernment, weighs not merely external deeds, but the innermost intentions, motives, and character of the heart.

Proverbs 21 2 Context

Proverbs chapter 21 is a collection of various independent proverbs, often contrasting the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and human efforts with divine sovereignty. Many verses emphasize that despite human plans or perceived righteousness, the LORD ultimately controls outcomes and discerns truth. Verse 2 specifically addresses the issue of self-righteousness and the hidden motives of the heart. This theme is pervasive throughout wisdom literature, serving as a reminder that true wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD and acknowledging His ultimate authority and comprehensive knowledge. Historically, in the ancient Near East, personal justice and righteousness were important societal tenets, but the Hebrew wisdom tradition, unlike some contemporary beliefs, consistently emphasized that outward conformity was insufficient without inner integrity and alignment with divine will. This verse thus functions as a quiet polemic against superficial religious observance or a purely anthropocentric view of morality.

Proverbs 21 2 Word analysis

• Every way (כָּל־דֶּרֶךְ – kol-derekh): "Every path," "all the ways." This refers to one's entire course of life, behavior, conduct, and choices. It implies comprehensiveness—all aspects of a person's moral and practical actions. Derekh literally means road or path, but in wisdom literature it metaphorically denotes lifestyle or moral conduct.
• of a man (אִישׁ – ish): "Of a male person, an individual." This refers to humanity generally, emphasizing the common human tendency for self-deception and subjective judgment. It highlights the individual human perspective.
• is right (יָשָׁר – yashar): "Straight, level, upright, just, pleasing." Here it means morally upright or correct, justifiable, seeming blameless. The context indicates this "rightness" is from a subjective, flawed human viewpoint, suggesting self-validation or self-righteousness.
• in his own eyes (בְעֵינָיו – b'eynayv): "In his eyes." This phrase clearly points to subjective perception. What "seems right" is based on one's own limited understanding, biases, or even self-deception. The "eyes" are the organ of perception, representing how one sees or assesses reality for oneself.
• but (וַיהוָה – w'YHWH): The Hebrew waw conjoins the two clauses, but here it acts adversatively ("but," "however"), signaling a stark contrast between the human perspective and God's reality.
• the LORD (יְהוָה – YHWH): The sacred, ineffable name of God, indicating His covenant faithfulness and sovereign nature. This emphasizes that the true and ultimate judge is the living God, not merely a detached observer. It underscores His absolute authority and standard.
• pondereth (תֹּכֵן – tokhen): "Weighs, measures, levels, assays, appraises carefully." This is a strong verb indicating precise and meticulous evaluation. It's used in contexts of measuring or setting up by weight or measure, suggesting a thorough and accurate assessment, not a casual glance. It denotes deep and comprehensive scrutiny, like an expert metallurgist weighing gold to determine its purity.
• the hearts (לִבּוֹת – libbot): "Hearts" (plural). In Hebrew thought, the heart (lev) is not merely the seat of emotions, but the center of intellect, will, moral character, thoughts, intentions, motives, conscience, and innermost being. The plural here encompasses all facets of the inner man, emphasizing that God judges the totality of inner life.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes": This phrase encapsulates the human propensity for self-justification and a biased perception of one's own actions. It highlights the natural human tendency to filter deeds through a subjective lens, leading to self-approval, often ignoring true flaws or motives. It speaks to pride and self-deception that affects fallen humanity.
• "but the LORD pondereth the hearts": This stands in absolute antithesis to the first clause. It presents the divine perspective, emphasizing God's omniscient, penetrating, and accurate judgment. Unlike humans who only see the surface or interpret actions based on self-interest, the LORD probes the deepest recesses of the will and intentions, discerning true motives and the actual moral quality of the individual. This is the ultimate court of appeal for moral and spiritual reality.

Proverbs 21 2 Bonus section

The concept of God "pondering" or "weighing" is often linked in ancient Near Eastern thought to divine judgment and ultimate accountability. It brings to mind scales of justice, where actions and motives are accurately measured against a divine standard. This suggests that divine judgment is not arbitrary but precise and just, based on complete knowledge. The stark contrast between "eyes" and "hearts" highlights the vast qualitative difference between human sensory perception (which is external and often deceptive) and divine spiritual perception (which is internal, absolute, and discerning of truth). This proverb reinforces a key biblical theme that outward appearances can be misleading and true righteousness must begin within, transformed by God Himself.

Proverbs 21 2 Commentary

Proverbs 21:2 offers a profound spiritual truth, challenging the human tendency for self-righteousness and superficial self-assessment. While we may evaluate our own conduct as pure and well-intended, based on outward appearance or self-serving logic, God's perspective is entirely different and absolute. He is not impressed by outward conformity or human rationalizations. The LORD, who "ponders the hearts," looks beyond deeds to the very wellspring of actions—the thoughts, intentions, and desires hidden deep within. He discerns true righteousness (or wickedness) at its root, exposing the motivations that often lie concealed even from oneself. This verse serves as a crucial reminder of God's perfect justice and our constant need for humility and reliance on His divine standard, rather than trusting in our own fallible judgment. It calls us to pray for clean hearts, knowing that only by God's grace and Spirit can our inward being be aligned with His perfect will. For example, a person may give charitably to gain public praise (right in his own eyes as good work), but God sees the hidden desire for applause, not pure love for the needy. Similarly, a rigorous adherent of religious law might appear righteous, but God perceives an inner pride or legalism rather than genuine faith.