Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits. I. THE SELF-COMPLACENCY OF SINNERS. "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes." Saul of Tarsus is a striking example of this. He once rejoiced in virtues which he never had. Indeed all sinners think well of their own conduct. Why is this? 1. He views himself in the light of society. He judges himself by the character of others. 2. He is ignorant of the spirituality of God's law. 3. His conscience is in a state of dormancy. The eye of his conscience is not open to see the enormity of his sin. II. THE SEARCHING OMNISCIENCE OF GOD. "The Lord weigheth the spirits." This implies — 1. The essence of the character is in the spirit. The sin of an action is not in the outward performance, but in the motive. 2. This urges the duty of self-examination. "If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?" (D. Thomas, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.WEB: All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Yahweh weighs the motives. |
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