Proverbs 5:21 kjv

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

Proverbs 5:21 nkjv

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He ponders all his paths.

Proverbs 5:21 niv

For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths.

Proverbs 5:21 esv

For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths.

Proverbs 5:21 nlt

For the LORD sees clearly what a man does,
examining every path he takes.

Proverbs 5 verses

Proverbs 5 21 Meaning

Proverbs 5:21 teaches that every aspect of an individual's life and conduct is under the direct, watchful observation of the LORD. God does not merely see; He meticulously scrutinizes and evaluates all actions and moral directions. This divine omnipresence implies ultimate accountability for one's choices, serving as a powerful deterrent against secret sin and a call to righteous living.

Proverbs 5 21 Context

Proverbs chapter 5 is a strong exhortation to a young man concerning sexual purity, specifically warning against the dangers and destructive consequences of adultery and engagement with a seductive immoral woman. The preceding verses vividly describe the initial sweetness but eventual bitter end of such a relationship. Verse 21 acts as a theological foundation and motivation for the warnings given, providing the overarching reason why one should resist temptation: no action is truly secret from God. This verse anchors the moral counsel of Proverbs not merely in practical consequences (disease, poverty, shame), but in divine oversight and eventual accountability, elevating the counsel from practical wisdom to spiritual truth. It reinforces that righteousness is not just for human benefit but is lived before the omniscient Creator.

Proverbs 5 21 Word analysis

• For: Introduces the foundational reason or explanation for the preceding warnings and counsel. It grounds the ethical advice in a theological truth.
• the ways (Hebrew: derek, דֶּרֶךְ): Refers to the course of life, behavior, or manner of living. It encompasses the entirety of one's actions, habits, and moral direction.
• of a man (Hebrew: 'ish, אִישׁ): Refers generically to a human being, individual person. Here, it addresses the son or individual being warned in the chapter, but the principle applies universally.
• are before (Hebrew: neged, נֶגֶד): Means in front of, opposite, in the presence of. It signifies full exposure and visibility. There is no hiding or obscuring one's actions from this gaze.
• the eyes (Hebrew: 'ayin, עַיִן): Literal eyes, but here representing divine sight, attention, and knowledge. The plural emphasizes the comprehensive and direct nature of God's observation.
• of the LORD (Hebrew: Yahweh, יְהֹוָה): The covenant name of God, indicating His personal, eternal, and sovereign character. It emphasizes that this oversight is not by some impersonal force, but by the living, true God.
• and he ponders (Hebrew: palas, פָּלַס): This is a crucial word. It means to weigh, level, measure, scrutinize, or examine carefully. It suggests not just seeing, but discerning, evaluating, and determining the precise moral quality or consequence of one's actions. It implies deep understanding and calculation, far beyond superficial observation.
• all (Hebrew: kol, כֹּל): Denotes completeness, every single one, without exception. This stresses the comprehensive nature of God's examination—no path, no secret deed, is overlooked.
• his paths (Hebrew: nativ, נָתִיב): Similar to "ways" (derek) but often implying more specific, trodden routes or habitual behaviors. It reinforces the idea that not only one's overall direction but also the detailed, specific choices and courses taken are subject to divine scrutiny.

Proverbs 5 21 Bonus section

The active and detailed nature of God's "pondering" (palas) is significant. It implies a moral assessment and preparation for judgment, not just a passive observing. This depth of divine scrutiny undercuts any argument that God is too busy or too distant to care about individual human choices, particularly those made in secret. The "fear of the LORD," often presented as the beginning of wisdom in Proverbs, is directly tied to an understanding of verses like this, where God's nature as the omniscient Judge is clearly presented. It highlights a personal accountability where every human decision is weighed on the scales of divine justice.

Proverbs 5 21 Commentary

Proverbs 5:21 powerfully asserts the pervasive reality of divine omniscience, functioning as the ultimate basis for moral accountability. The verse elevates the pragmatic counsel against immorality to a theological truth: no action, no matter how private or seemingly insignificant, escapes God's vigilant gaze. The vivid imagery of "the eyes of the LORD" being before a man's ways signifies immediate, unavoidable observation, shattering any illusion of secret sin. Furthermore, the verb "ponders" (palas) moves beyond mere observation; it conveys an active, precise evaluation. God doesn't just see; He thoroughly examines, weighs, and assesses the full import and trajectory of every step a person takes. This profound knowledge is not abstract; it undergirds divine justice, ensuring that consequences align perfectly with deeds. For the wise, this truth inspires reverent conduct; for the wicked, it serves as a solemn warning that their hidden deeds are transparently known and will be brought to account. It's a foundational principle: ethical living is always living before the face of an all-knowing God.

• Example 1 (Motivating Righteousness): A believer might be tempted to cut corners in their work, thinking no one will notice. Proverbs 5:21 reminds them that God sees and ponders their integrity, prompting them to perform their work with excellence.
• Example 2 (Discouraging Secret Sin): Someone considers indulging in gossip or illicit online content in the privacy of their home. This verse reminds them that there is no true privacy from God's penetrating gaze, causing them to re-evaluate their actions.