God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 21:2
2A person thinks everything he does is right, but the Lord weighs hearts.
Proverbs 21:2 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
- New International Version (NIV)A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.
Context of Proverbs 21:2
1The king’s heart is like streams of water. Both are under the Lord’s control. He turns them in any direction he chooses. A person thinks everything he does is right, but the Lord weighs hearts. 3Doing what is right and fair is more acceptable to the Lord than offering a sacrifice. 4A conceited look and an arrogant attitude, which are the lamps of wicked people, are sins.
Read all of Proverbs 21Proverbs 21:2 word by word
כָּֽל־דֶּרֶךְ־אִ֭ישׁ יָשָׁ֣ר בְּעֵינָ֑יו וְתֹכֵ֖ן לִבּ֣וֹת יְהוָֽה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 21:2
- Proverbs 16:2A person thinks all his ways are pure, but the Lord weighs motives.
- Proverbs 20:6Many people declare themselves loyal, but who can find someone who is ⌞really⌟ trustworthy?
- Proverbs 30:12A certain kind of person thinks he is pure but is not washed from his own feces.
- Psalms 36:2He flatters himself and does not hate or ⌞even⌟ recognize his guilt.
- Luke 18:11The Pharisee stood up and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people! I’m not a robber or a dishonest person. I haven’t committed adultery. I’m not even like this tax collector.
- Galatians 6:3So if any one of you thinks you’re important when you’re really not, you’re only fooling yourself.
- James 1:22Do what God’s word says. Don’t merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves.
- Proverbs 24:12When you say, “We didn’t know this,” won’t the one who weighs hearts take note of it? Won’t the one who guards your soul know it? Won’t he pay back people for what they do?
- 1 Samuel 16:7But the Lord told Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart.”
- Jeremiah 17:10I, the Lord, search minds and test hearts. I will reward each person for what he has done. I will reward him for the results of his actions.
- Luke 16:15So Jesus said to them, “You try to justify your actions in front of people. But God knows what’s in your hearts. What is important to humans is disgusting to God.
- John 2:24Jesus, however, was wary of these believers. He understood people
- Revelation 2:23I will kill her children. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches hearts and minds. I will reward each of you for what you have done.
Commentaries on Proverbs 21:2
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 2The Lord pondereth the hearts - Every man feels strongly attached to his own opinions, modes of acting, etc.; and though he will not easily give up any thing to the judgment of a neighbor, 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 endeavor to see that what he does is acceptable in the eye of his Maker and Judge.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 2Verse 2 We are partial in judging ourselves and our actions.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 2This proverb is almost exactly the same in Proverbs 16:2.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 22. (Compare Pr 14:2; 16:2-25).Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 21:2
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 21
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
Commentaries