Proverbs 21:2
Proverbs 21:2 in Multiple Translations
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.
Every way of a man seems right to himself, but the Lord is the tester of hearts.
People think that whatever they do is fine, but the Lord looks at their motives.
Euery way of a man is right in his owne eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering hearts.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Every way of a man seemeth right to himself: but the Lord weigheth the hearts.
People always think that what they do is right, but Yahweh judges our ◄motives/reasons for doing things► [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 21:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּֽל
דֶּרֶךְ
אִ֭ישׁ
יָשָׁ֣ר
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
וְ/תֹכֵ֖ן
לִבּ֣וֹת
יְהוָֽה
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
דֶּרֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
יָשָׁ֣ר
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Adj
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
וְ/תֹכֵ֖ן
tâkan
H8505
to measure
Conj | V-Qal
לִבּ֣וֹת
libbâh
H3826
heart
N-fp
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 21:2
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דֶּרֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יָשָׁ֣ר
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/תֹכֵ֖ן
tâkan
H8505
"to measure"
Conj | V-Qal
Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.
Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.
לִבּ֣וֹת
libbâh
H3826
"heart"
N-fp
The heart is the center of a person's emotions and thoughts. In the book of 1 Samuel, it describes Hannah's heart being filled with joy and gratitude, while in the book of Job, it talks about the heart being heavy with sorrow.
Definition: heart
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: heart. See also: Psalms 7:10; Proverbs 17:3; Psalms 125:4.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:2
Context — The King’s Heart
1The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
2All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.
3To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. 4Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the guides of the wicked—are sin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:2 | All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:25 | There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. |
| 3 | Luke 16:15 | So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 17:10 | I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. |
| 5 | Proverbs 30:12 | There is a generation of those who are pure in their own eyes and yet unwashed of their filth. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 16:7 | But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” |
| 7 | Proverbs 24:12 | If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? |
| 8 | James 1:22 | Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. |
| 9 | Psalms 36:2 | For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin. |
| 10 | Luke 18:11–12 | The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ |
Proverbs 21:2 Summary
This verse means that people often think they are making good choices, but God looks at their heart and intentions to see if they are truly right. It's like when we think we're doing the right thing, but really we're just doing what we want, as seen in Proverbs 21:2. The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:10 that God rewards us according to our hearts, not just our actions. So, we should try to have a heart that is pleasing to God, and seek His guidance in all we do, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that all a man's ways seem right to him?
This phrase means that people often think their choices and actions are correct, even if they are not, as seen in Proverbs 21:2, but the Lord evaluates their heart and intentions, as also mentioned in Jeremiah 17:10 and Romans 8:27.
How does the Lord weigh the heart?
The Lord weighs the heart by examining a person's motivations, desires, and intentions, as stated in Proverbs 21:2, and this is also seen in Psalm 139:23, where David asks God to search his heart and know his thoughts.
What is the significance of the heart in the Bible?
The heart in the Bible represents the seat of a person's thoughts, feelings, and intentions, as seen in Proverbs 21:2 and Matthew 15:19, where Jesus teaches that evil thoughts come from the heart.
How can we ensure our ways are right in God's eyes?
We can ensure our ways are right in God's eyes by seeking His guidance through prayer and His Word, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and by trusting in His sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I think my ways are right, but may need to be evaluated by the Lord?
- How can I cultivate a heart that is pleasing to the Lord, and what are some practical steps I can take to achieve this?
- What are some common pitfalls or deceptions that can lead me to think my ways are right when they are not, and how can I avoid them?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of Proverbs 21:2 to my daily decision-making and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes,.... This is repeated, from Proverbs 16:2; for the confirmation of it; and that it might be observed and taken notice of, and men be brought under a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts - the inward motives (Proverbs 16:2, note).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
This was said , where it is explained, and is here repeated, either for the great importance and usefulness of it, or because he perceived that the Israelites were very prone to self-deceit.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.Ver. 2. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes.] Such is our sinful self-love, that, Suffenus-like, we easily admire that little nothing of any good that is in us; we so clasp and hug the barn of our own brain, with the ape, that we strangle it; we set up a counter for a thousand pounds, and boast of those graces whereunto we are perfect strangers. We turn the perspective telescope, and gladly see ourselves larger, others smaller than they are: we flatter our own souls as Micah did his. Wherein it often happens as it did with the riflers of Semiramis’ tomb, who, where they expected to find the richest treasure, met with a deadly poison. Seem we never so just, because first in our own cause, God - as Solomon saith of a man’ s neighhour - comes and searches us, and then things appear otherwise.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
(2) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes.—See above, on Proverbs 16:2.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
Verse 2. The Lord pondereth the hearts.] Every man feels strongly attached to his own opinions, modes of acting, c. and though he will not easily give up any thing to the judgment of a neighbour, whom he will naturally consider at least as fallible as himself, yet he should consider that the unerring eye of God is upon him; and he should endeavour to see that what he does is acceptable in the eye of his Maker and Judge.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:2
2. Repeated almost exactly from Proverbs 16:2.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:2
2. Pondereth — Weighs or proves. The hearts — Compare Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:2; Proverbs 16:25. “The trier of hearts is Jehovah.” — Conant.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Dead Men Tell No Tales by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his heartbreak over the state of the world and the church. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong testimony and warns against giving |
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Led by the Spirit of God - Part 4 by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments and avoiding sinful behavior. He warns against being lovers of self and money, and highlights |
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The Strange Occupation of God by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity. The sermon begins by describing how angels were amazed when Jesus left his glor |
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Knowledge of One's Sins, a Difficult Acquisition. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches on the difficulty of understanding our own errors and sins, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's cleansing from hidden faults. He explains that acquir |
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Pharisees Are Hypocrites by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen warns about the danger of hypocrisy, comparing it to the leaven of the Pharisees. He explains that the term 'hypocrite' originates from the Greek word for 'actor', highl |
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The Name Underneath by H. P. Barker | H. P. Barker delivers a sermon on the importance of examining our motives in our actions and service to God. Using the story of the architect Cnidius who sought fame by subtly insc |
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Halifax Nuts by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of being outwardly holy while lacking true inner holiness, comparing such individuals to Halifax nuts, which are all shell and no kernel. He war |