Pro 21:2 | NETfull | STEP | All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates the motives.

Proverbs 21:2

2 All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, ^{▼▼ Heb “in his own eyes.” The term “eyes” is a metonymy for estimation, opinion, evaluation.}
but the Lord evaluates ^{▼▼ Heb “weighs” (so NASB, NIV, NRSV); NLT “examines”; NCV, TEV “judges.”} the motives. ^{▼▼ Heb “the hearts.” The term לֵב (lev, “heart”) is used as a metonymy of association for thoughts and motives (BDB 660-61 s.v. 6-7). Even though people think they know themselves, the Lord evaluates motives as well (e.g., Prov 16:2).}