Proverbs 16:2
Proverbs 16:2 in Multiple Translations
All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the spirits.
All a man's ways are clean to himself; but the Lord puts men's spirits into his scales.
People think that whatever they do is fine, but the Lord looks at their intentions.
All the wayes of a man are cleane in his owne eyes: but the Lord pondereth the spirits.
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering the spirits.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the motives.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
All the ways of a man are open to his eyes: the Lord is the weigher of spirits.
People may think that their actions are right, but Yahweh really knows why people do what they do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:2
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 16:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּֽל
דַּרְכֵי
אִ֭ישׁ
זַ֣ךְ
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
וְ/תֹכֵ֖ן
רוּח֣וֹת
יְהוָֽה
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
דַּרְכֵי
derek
H1870
way
N-cp
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
זַ֣ךְ
zak
H2134
pure
Adj
בְּ/עֵינָ֑י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
וְ/תֹכֵ֖ן
tâkan
H8505
to measure
Conj | V-Qal
רוּח֣וֹת
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cp
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:2
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.
דַּרְכֵי
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp
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.
זַ֣ךְ
zak
H2134
"pure"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means being pure and clean, like a clear conscience. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing a person's moral purity. God values purity and wants His people to be clean.
Definition: 1) clean, pure 1a) pure 1b) pure, clean, righteous (fig.) 2) the pure one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: clean, pure. See also: Exodus 27:20; Job 11:4; Proverbs 16:2.
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.
רוּח֣וֹת
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cp
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
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 16:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:2
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
2All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.
3Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved. 4The LORD has made everything for His purpose— even the wicked for the day of disaster.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:2 | All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. |
| 2 | 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.” |
| 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 | Proverbs 30:12 | There is a generation of those who are pure in their own eyes and yet unwashed of their filth. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 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? |
| 7 | Psalms 36:2 | For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin. |
| 8 | Proverbs 5:21 | For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths. |
| 9 | Proverbs 16:25 | There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 2:22–23 | Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,” declares the Lord GOD. “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; I have not run after the Baals’? Look at your behavior in the valley; acknowledge what you have done. You are a swift young she-camel galloping here and there, |
Proverbs 16:2 Summary
[This verse means that we often think we're doing the right thing, but God looks at why we're doing it, not just what we're doing. He wants our hearts to be pure and our motives to be good, as written in Proverbs 16:2 and Matthew 5:8. We can ask God to help us see our own motives clearly and to guide us in making good choices, as seen in Psalm 139:23-24 and Proverbs 3:5-6. By seeking God's guidance, we can ensure our actions and decisions are pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that all a man's ways are pure in his own eyes?
This means that people often think their actions and decisions are right and good, even if they are not, as seen in Proverbs 16:2. This is a natural human tendency, as Jeremiah 17:9 notes that the heart is deceitful above all things.
How does God weigh our motives?
God weighs our motives by examining the intentions and thoughts behind our actions, as stated in Proverbs 16:2. This is similar to what is written in Psalm 139:23-24, where David asks God to search his heart and know his thoughts.
Can we truly know our own motives?
It can be difficult for us to know our own motives, as our hearts can be deceiving, but God knows them fully, as seen in Proverbs 16:2 and Jeremiah 17:10. We can ask God to reveal our motives to us, as David did in Psalm 139:23-24.
What is the significance of God weighing our motives?
The significance of God weighing our motives is that it reminds us that our actions and decisions are not just about what we do, but why we do them, as stated in Proverbs 16:2. This is why it's essential to have a pure heart and to seek God's guidance, as written in Matthew 5:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be deceiving myself into thinking my ways are pure, when in reality they may not be?
- How can I seek God's guidance to ensure my motives are pure and pleasing to Him?
- What are some ways I can commit my works to the Lord, as mentioned in Proverbs 16:3, to ensure my plans align with His purposes?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of Proverbs 16:2 to my relationships with others, to avoid judging them based on appearances rather than their true motives?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes,.... All right and well, not only some, but all, having a high opinion of himself; for this is to be understood of a self-righteous man, who is pure
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes (Proverbs 16:25; Proverbs 14:12): but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:2
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; many men can easily flatter and deceive themselves into a good opinion of themselves, and of their own actions, though they be sinful. See below, , and compare . The Lord weigheth, i.e. exactly knoweth, as men do the things which they weigh and examine, the spirits; the hearts of men, from which both men’ s actions, and the goodness and badness of them, in a great measure, proceed; their ends and intentions, their dispositions and affections, which are hid not only from others, but ofttimes from a man’ s self; whereby he is unfit to judge in his own cause, and easily mistaken, if he do not use great diligence and fidelity. In this last clause he intimates the reason why men deceive themselves in judging of their state and actions, because they do not search their own hearts.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:2
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.Ver. 2. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes.] Every man is apt to think well of his own doings, and would be sorry but his penny should be good silver. They that were born in hell know no other heaven; neither goes any man to hell but he hath some excuse for it. Quintilian could say, Sceleri nunquam defuisse rationem. As covetousness, so most other sins go cloaked and coloured. Sed sordet in conspectu iudiciis quod fulget in conspectu aestimantis. All is not gold that gliters. A thing that I see in the night may shine, and that shining proceed from nothing but rottenness. Melius est pallens aurum, quam fulgens aurichalcum. "That which is highly esteemed amongst men, is abomination in the sight of God." But the Lord weigheth the spirits.] Not speeches and actions only, as Proverbs 5:21, but men’ s aims and insides.
Men see but the surface of things, and so are many times mistaken, but God’ s fiery eyes pierce into the inward parts, and there discover a newly found world of wickedness. He turns up the bottom of the bag, as Joseph’ s steward did, and then out come all our thefts and misdoings that had so long lain latent. Augustine. Bernard.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:2
(2) All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes.—Yet that does not excuse his faults in God’s sight. (Comp. 1 Corinthians 4:4.) So much the more reason is there for anxious self-examination and testing the conduct by God’s word, and, when this has been done to the best of our power, still to pray for cleansing from faults which have escaped our notice. (Psalms 19:12.)
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:2
2. See Proverbs 21:2, where this proverb recurs almost in the same words. Comp. 1 Corinthians 4:4.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:2
We are blind to our own faults, do not see ourselves as others see us. There is One who tries not the “ways” only, but the “spirits” Hebrews 4:12 : this is the true remedy against self-deceit.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:2
2. Are clean in his own eyes — He may be so blind to his own faults. Comp. 12. 15. Weigheth the spirits — That is, he proves or tests the purposes and intentions of the heart.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"a.w. Tozer on Judgment" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the importance of examining our motives behind our actions, emphasizing that we will be judged not just for what we have done but for the reasons and motive |
|
How Deep Is Your Digging by Wesley H. Wakefield | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Mr. Finney and a little girl who taught him a valuable lesson about revival. The preacher emphasizes that revival is not just abou |
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The Rich and the Poor Part 1 by Chuck Smith | The video is a sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith on the book of Proverbs, specifically focusing on Proverbs 21:1. Pastor Chuck explains that the purpose of Proverbs is to impart wisdom |
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How Much Does Your Spirit Weigh by Bob Phillips | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the spirit in a person's life. He refers to various biblical passages that mention the spirit as the inner man or the heart. |
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Design or Intention Constitutes Character by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that a person's moral character is defined by their ultimate intention rather than their actions or subordinate intentions. He explains the distinction be |
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First Things First by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing God in our lives as we enter a new year, urging believers to focus on eternal matters rather than dissipating their energies on s |
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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 |