משלי, פרק כ״א, פסוק ב׳

It is human nature to justify one's actions and feel confident that one's chosen path in life is the correct one. This certainty arises because people are often blind to their own faults and personal obligations [מצודת דוד]. Whenever a person chooses a direction, they can easily find a reason to justify it, usually driven by the promise of some personal benefit, whether it be pleasure, honor, or victory [רלב״ג]. The truly straight path is the most direct one, characterized by virtues like humility and mercy. Yet, people frequently deceive themselves, believing their path is right simply because their heart's desires pull them in that direction [מלבי״ם]. Offering a different perspective, some suggest that a person's view of their own path relates to their intellect rather than subjective perception [אבן עזרא]. Another approach shifts the focus entirely, suggesting that human actions are actually viewed directly through God's eyes, meaning every deed is fully revealed to Him exactly as it is [עמנואל הרומי].

While humans are wrapped up in their own justifications, God pierces through these layers to examine true inner motives. The commentators offer various ways to understand how God evaluates the human heart. One approach is that He simply measures and assesses its true intentions [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another view is that God is intimately present inside the heart itself, knowing with absolute certainty if a person's path is genuinely right [מצודת ציון, מצודת דוד]. Others explain that God actively counts and knows every single thought that passes through a person's mind [רש״י, עמנואל הרומי]. Additionally, because God is the one who created and formed the very nature of the human heart, all its innermost thoughts are naturally exposed to Him [עמנואל הרומי].

These insights touch upon a deep philosophical question regarding free will. People might try to avoid responsibility for their wrongdoings by blaming their inherent nature, their surroundings, or even divine decree. However, a person's path is entirely the product of their own free choice [אלשיך]. Even so, achieving true goodness is difficult, and a person needs God's assistance to overcome life's many obstacles [רלב״ג]. God does not force anyone to choose the good. Instead, when a person takes the initiative to walk on the right path, God steps in to help, giving their heart extra preparation and making their journey straight [אלשיך, רלב״ג, אבן עזרא].