Proverbs 21:2

1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the¹ rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.

2 ^aEvery way of a man is right in his own eyes,
^bBut the Lord weighs the hearts.

3 ^aTo do righteousness and justice
Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

4 ^aA haughty look, a proud heart,
And the¹ plowing of the wicked are sin.

5 ^aThe plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,
But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.

6 ^aGetting treasures by a lying tongue
¹Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.

Commentaries:

Forerunner Commentary
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What Does Proverbs 21:2 Mean?

Proverbs 21:2

We can justify ourselves to the point we really think we are clean in spite of our sins. We will use "all humanity" as our excuse, admitting we are sinners "just like everyone else," but not wanting to admit specific sins or faults lest we have to overcome them. God knows all men have sinned and fall short of His glory, but He is only interested in our repentance (change), overcoming, and growth, not our excuses. "Everyone is doing it" does not justify our personal sin. God will forgive only as we repent.

Staff
Overcoming (Part 2): Self-Justification

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What Does Proverbs 21:2 Mean?

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