Proverbs 21:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 21:2

Note, 1. We are all apt to be partial in judging of ourselves and our own actions, and to think too favourably of our own character, as if there was nothing amiss in it: Every way of a man, even his by-way, is right in his own eyes. The proud heart is very ingenious in putting a fair face upon a foul matter, and in making that appear right to itself which is far from being so, to stop the mouth of conscience. 2. We are sure that the judgment of God concerning us is according to truth. Whatever... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 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 conviction of it; which is not easily done, it being what affects all men: every man is conceited of himself and his own way, and is not easily persuaded off of it; his sinful ways are agreeable to him promising him pleasure, profit, or honour; and his self-righteous ways suit with the vain... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 21:2

The 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 more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 21:1-3

The providence and government of God I. THE DIVINE CONTROL OF HUMAN PURPOSES . ( Proverbs 21:1 .) As the streams of water are led by canals and trenches through the land, that it may be refreshed and fructified, so are the thoughts and counsels of the ruler, if wise and true, a means of strength and blessing to the people. And all such wise counsels are of God. He forms and turns the purposes of the heart, as the potter with the clay. To Cyrus he says, "I have called thee by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 21:2

This is similar to Proverbs 16:2 (where see note. Comp. also Proverbs 14:12 ; Proverbs 16:25 ; Proverbs 20:24 ). See here a warning against self-deception and that silly self-complacency which thinks its own ways the best. Septuagint, "Every man appears to himself righteous, but the Lord directs the hearts." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 21:2

(See homily on Proverbs 16:2 .)—C. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 21:2-3

Proverbs 21:2-3. Every way of a man, &c. See on Proverbs 16:2, where this same thing was declared. To do justice and judgment The conscientious performance of all our duties to men; is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice Than the most costly outward services offered to God, joined with the neglect of religious and moral duties to God or men: see 1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:7-8. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 21:1-31

God at work in people’s lives (21:1-31)As God directs the course along which a stream flows, so he guides the decisions of national rulers according to his plan (21:1). God knows people’s motives and he will not accept their sacrifices if their thoughts and actions are wrong (2-4). Prosperity that comes through diligence is a fitting reward, but prosperity that comes through greed, lying and violence is a deadly trap (5-8). Some people make life unpleasant for those who live in the same house,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 21:2

man. Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 . pondereth = weigheth, and thus testeth. See all the occurrences of takan, to poise, 1 Samuel 2:3 . 2 Kings 12:11 ("told"). Job 28:25 .Psalms 75:3 (bear up). Proverbs 16:2 ; Proverbs 21:2 (pondereth); Proverbs 24:12 (pondereth). Isaiah 40:12 (meted), Isaiah 40:13 (directed). In Ezekiel the Niphal is rendered "equal": Pro 18:25 , Pro 18:29 ; Pro 18:33 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 21:2

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts."See my comment on Proverbs 16:2 with which this couplet is almost identical. read more

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