New Living Translation
Proverbs 21:2
2People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart.
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 a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases. People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. 3The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. 4Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
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 16:2People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.
- Proverbs 20:6Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?
- Proverbs 30:12They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed.
- Psalms 36:2In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are.
- Luke 18:11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!
- Galatians 6:3If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
- James 1:22But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
- Proverbs 24:12Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.
- 1 Samuel 16:7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
- Jeremiah 17:10But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
- Luke 16:15Then he said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.
- John 2:24But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people.
- Revelation 2:23I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.
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
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