Proverbs 21:2
People think that whatever they do is fine, but the Lord looks at their motives.
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
In Context
1The Lord directs the king's decisions like a stream of water that he sends whichever way he wants.
3Doing what's right and fair pleases the Lord more than sacrifices.
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:7But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don't look at his outward appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him, for the Lord does not look as human beings do. Human beings only see with their eyes what's on the outside, but the Lord looks at the way people think deep inside.”
Psalms 36:2In their own eyes they're so wonderful that they can't even see their sin and do something about it.
Proverbs 16:25There's a way that seems to be right, but in the end it's the way of death.
Proverbs 20:6Many people tell you they're loyal, but can you find someone really trustworthy?
Proverbs 30:12There are some who see themselves as pure but they're still filthy—they have not been washed.
Daniel 5:27Weighed—you have been weighed on the balances and you were found lacking.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 21:2
Miscellaneous Maxims. 1 The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord , as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Note, 1. Even the hearts of men are in God's hand, and not only their goings, as he had said, ch. xx. 24 . God can change men's minds, can, by a powerful insensible operation under their spirits, turn them from that which they seemed most intent upon, and incline them to that which they seemed most averse to, as the husbandman, by canals and gutters, turns the water through his grounds… Read the whole commentary →