“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit.” --Proverbs 16:2, ESV
What does this passage say about humanity?
We naturally have a skewed view toward our own ways of thinking and acting. We will look at our own bad actions, and often give numerous reasons (excuses) for the ungodly behavior exhibited. This happens in marriage all the time. We naturally give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. For example, I can give my wife five reasons why I say something hurtful to her. Some of these excuses include being tired, hungry, sick, tough day at the office, and my her (wife’s) attitude. All five of these reasons ignore the real culprit, which is ME! The Bible says that “out of the abundance or overflow of the heart the mouth speaks!” (Matthew 12:34) What I say is actually a reflection of what is in my heart.
What does this passage say about God?
God does not label people on a whim. God’s judgement is pristinely accurate because He looks beyond or below appearances, past the personalities, and goes right to the heart of who we are. God sees the core of who we are. We are fully exposed to the eternal God of the universe. We can’t trick or fool Him because God knows us better than we can ever know ourselves. What a sobering thought to recognize that God can see the inner being of who we are all the time. We can’t run or hide from God, we must continue to confess, repent, and depend on the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out. Thanks be to His grace as He continues to shape us for His glory on honor.
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