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Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereofare the ways of death.

Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a manis right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

Proverbs 30:12
There is a generationthat are pure in their own eyes, andyet is not washed from their filthiness.

but

Proverbs 5:21
For the ways of manare before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

Proverbs 24:12
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart considerit? and he that keepeth thy soul, dothnot he knowit? and shallnot he render toevery man according to his works?

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: forthe LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

but his motives are weighed out by the LORD
This part of the verse emphasizes God's omniscience and His ability to discern the true intentions behind human actions. The Hebrew concept of "weighing" suggests a careful and just evaluation, akin to a judge assessing evidence. This aligns with1 Samuel 16:7, where God tells Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearances. Theologically, it underscores the belief in God's ultimate authority and justice, as He alone can see beyond outward actions to the heart's true motives. This also points to the need for humility and repentance, recognizing that human understanding is limited and flawed.

“ All a man’s ways ” reminds us that every path, plan, ambition, and routine we follow is included. Scripture consistently treats the course of life as a “way” (Psalm 1:6;Proverbs 3:5–6).

• The breadth is total—nothing we do escapes this statement. LikeProverbs 21:2, God addresses “all” our ways, not just the obviously religious ones.

• Our schedules, friendships, work habits, spending patterns, entertainment choices—each road we walk fits under this phrase.

• Because the Bible speaks literally, the verse does not allow an exception clause: every direction a person takes is under consideration, echoing Jesus’ words that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:17–18).

Most people naturally assume moral innocence about their decisions.Judges 21:25 shows Israel’s downfall when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

• Self-deception is real.Jeremiah 17:9 calls the heart “deceitful above all things,” explaining why people can sin while feeling virtuous.

• Even King Saul said, “I have obeyed the LORD” (1 Samuel 15:13), while blatantly disobedient.

• Jesus exposed the Pharisee inLuke 18:11–12 who congratulated himself on his righteousness. The verse uncovers how easy it is to grade ourselves on a curve and pass.

God’s evaluation penetrates beneath visible behavior to the inner impulse.

•1 Samuel 16:7 states, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

•Hebrews 4:13 adds that all things are “laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

• The verb “weighed” pictures a balance scale. Every hidden intention—whether pride, greed, love, or faith—is measured with perfect accuracy, as1 Corinthians 4:5 promises when the Lord “will expose the motives of men’s hearts.”

The final authority belongs to the covenant God whose personal name appears.

•Psalm 139:1–4 celebrates that the LORD has searched and known us; no thought is missed.

•Romans 14:10–12 reminds believers and unbelievers alike that “we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”

• His weighing is not a vague cosmic force but a personal, holy assessment.Revelation 2:23 records Jesus declaring, “I am He who searches hearts and minds.”

• Because His verdict is decisive,Proverbs 16:9 counsels us to submit our planning to Him, andJames 4:15 teaches us to say, “If the Lord wills.”

Every path we choose feels acceptable to us, yet God alone reads the heart behind each step.Proverbs 16:2 calls us to distrust self-approval and submit our plans, motives, and desires to the searching gaze of the LORD, whose judgment is precise, personal, and final.