Jun 30 • Wisdom
God Knows Your Heart
‘All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.’ Proverbs 16:2
This verse speaks to the deceptiveness of human self-evaluation. Man naturally assumes the best about himself—his intentions, his motives, and his actions. He tends to justify his choices, viewing them as right, even when they are flawed. Yet while we may fool ourselves and others, we cannot fool God. The Lord looks beyond the surface and measures the true nature of our inner life—our spirit, our motives, our desires.
This same theme is reflected in Proverbs 21:2, which says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.” Human nature leans toward self-righteousness and self-deception. We often judge ourselves by our intentions, but others by their actions. God, however, evaluates both the action and the intention behind it. He weighs—not lightly considers, but thoroughly examines—the spirit from which our choices flow.
1 Samuel 16:7 reinforces this truth in the words God spoke to Samuel: “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” This is a sobering reminder that what may look good externally—a ministry, a kind act, a generous gift—may be rooted in pride, ambition, or manipulation. While man praises what appears successful or moral, God is searching for sincerity, humility, and reverence in the inward man.
In Jeremiah 17:9-10, we read, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins…” The deception of our own heart is so deep that we cannot fully understand ourselves apart from God’s truth. This is why David prayed in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart… and see if there be any wicked way in me.” He recognized that only God could truly evaluate his heart and guide him in the way everlasting.
Practically, Proverbs 16:2 challenges us to stop trusting in our own perspective and instead invite the Lord to examine and correct our motives. It's easy to say, “I meant well,” or “My heart is in the right place,” but that is not enough. God demands purity of heart, not just good intentions. This verse calls for regular self-examination in the light of Scripture and prayer, asking God to expose hidden pride, selfish ambition, or impure motives.
It also teaches us to be cautious in judging others. Just as we cannot fully see our own heart, neither can we fully see theirs. We must rely on God’s Word and Spirit, not our own opinions. True discernment comes not from comparing ourselves to others, but from submitting ourselves to the righteous standard of a God who weighs the spirit. In the end, only what is done in humility, truth, and love for God will stand when weighed in His perfect scales.
1
0 comments
God Knows Your Heart
powered by
skool.com/everyday-bible-4349
Everyday Bible was created to discuss as a community the Word of God and its practical application in our lives.
Suggested communities
Powered by