21:2

Notice the parallel pairs that contrast in meaning:

2a
All a man’s ways seem right to him,

2b but the LORD weighs the heart.

This proverb contrasts a person’s own opinion of the good things that he does with the evaluation of the LORD regarding the person’s inner motives. This verse is almost identical to 16:2. The following notes will mention any minor wording differences.

21:2a

All a man’s ways seem right to him: In Hebrew, this clause is more literally “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes” (English Standard Version). 16:2a has “All the ways of a man are pure…” (English Standard Version). See the notes there. There is little difference in meaning. Some versions translate them the same way.

21:2b

but the LORD weighs the heart: In Hebrew, this verse has “hearts.” Verse 16:2b has “spirits.” See the notes there. Both verses indicate that the LORD evaluates or examines a person’s thoughts, motives, or intentions.

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