Proverbs 21:2-5
Proverbs 21:2-5 The Message (MSG)
We justify our actions by appearances; GOD examines our motives. Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to GOD than religious performance. Arrogance and pride—distinguishing marks in the wicked— are just plain sin. Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.
Proverbs 21:2-5 King James Version (KJV)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: But the LORD pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. An high look, and a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked, is sin. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But of every one that is hasty only to want.
Proverbs 21:2-5 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked, is sin. The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, But everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
Proverbs 21:2-5 New Century Version (NCV)
You may believe you are doing right, but the LORD judges your reasons. Doing what is right and fair is more important to the LORD than sacrifices. Proud looks, proud thoughts, and evil actions are sin. The plans of hard-working people earn a profit, but those who act too quickly become poor.
Proverbs 21:2-5 American Standard Version (ASV)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to Jehovah than sacrifice. A high look, and a proud heart, Even the lamp of the wicked, is sin. The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But every one that is hasty hasteth only to want.
Proverbs 21:2-5 New International Version (NIV)
A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin. The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Proverbs 21:2-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
Proverbs 21:2-5 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. [Prov 24:12; Luke 16:15] To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice [for wrongs repeatedly committed]. [1 Sam 15:22; Prov 15:8; Is 1:11; Hos 6:6; Mic 6:7, 8] Haughty and arrogant eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked [their self-centered pride], is sin [in the eyes of God]. The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance and advantage, But everyone who acts in haste comes surely to poverty.
Proverbs 21:2-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
People may be right in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their heart. The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin. Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
Proverbs 21:2-5 The Passion Translation (TPT)
We may think we’re right all the time, but God thoroughly examines our motives. It pleases God more when we demonstrate godliness and justice than when we merely offer him a sacrifice. Arrogance, superiority, and pride are the fruits of sin. Brilliant ideas pay off and bring you prosperity, but making hasty, impatient decisions will only lead to financial loss.
Proverbs 21:2-5 English Standard Version 2025 (ESV)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
