What is the meaning of Proverbs 5:21? For a man’s ways - The word “ways” paints the picture of every route a person chooses—habits, decisions, public actions, private moments. Nothing is outside the scope. - Proverbs often links “ways” with moral direction: “All a man’s ways are innocent in his own sight, but his motives are weighed by the LORD” (Proverbs 16:2). - The context of Proverbs 5 warns a son about adultery, reminding us that even the most secret rendezvous is still part of our “ways.” - Psalm 139:3 echoes this all-encompassing reach: “You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways”. are before the eyes of the LORD - “Before” means in full view. God’s gaze is neither dimmed by distance nor blocked by darkness. - 2 Chronicles 16:9 affirms it: “For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him”. - Job 34:21 adds, “For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step”. - This truth brings both comfort and caution. Comfort, because Psalm 34:15 promises, “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous.” Caution, because Hebrews 4:13 reminds us, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight”. and the LORD examines all his paths - God not only sees; He “examines,” weighing motives, judging direction, discerning destination. - Jeremiah 17:10 puts it plainly: “I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind, to reward a man according to his ways”. - 1 Samuel 16:7 contrasts human and divine vision: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart”. - 1 Corinthians 4:5 points to the coming day when “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts”. - In Proverbs 5 this scrutiny underlines why flirtation with sin is perilous: the Judge already knows every step toward it. summary Proverbs 5:21 assures us that every road we travel lies wide open under God’s watchful eyes. He sees, He weighs, He judges, and He cares. Nothing is hidden, nothing is ignored, and nothing is too small to matter. Living with that awareness steers us away from secret sin and toward wholehearted devotion. |
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