What's your motive?? Proverbs 16:2

I'm reading my daily Proverbs this morning and Proverbs 16:2 says... People’s ways may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives
What is a motive? Dictionary.com defines it as "the goal or object of a person's actions." A person's way seems right in his own opinion, but the Lord actually judges the REASONS.

He goes off of what is just and judges by truth. I read an example on someone wanting to get rid of things they no longer sue or wanted in their home & bunch of clothes in their closet but not necessarily wanting to do a yard sale.

So instead they drive over to the nearest Salvation Army and drop them off and go on about their day. Did they probably help out someone in need? Yes... was that their intention? No. They did it because they didn't feel like having the stuff in their house any longer. Another example will be those that "donate" to a charity when tax season is approaching. Did they help a cause? Yes. Was that their motive? No. After reading this, I decided to read a little bit more about what the Bible says about "motives" and it's interesting to see that it is actually mentioned quite a few times all through the bible.

I know everyone has heard "Ask and you shall receive" or "You do not have, because you have not asked" but did you know there is also another scripture that simply says "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives"?
When you pray or do something for someone, don't just think about what you're asking for but ask yourself "why am I doing or asking for this?" What do I hope to gain from this and is whatever I will gain right in God's eyes?

I think a lot of people seek the Glory of men when we should be seeking the Glory of God. I don't think the Bible tells us to hide our good works per se... I think God is asking us to be humble, do not seek attention, and once again... have good motives behind doing what we're doing.

So I ask you.. Next time you find yourself doing a good deed or not, praying/asking for something, or simply portraying yourself to be something you are not... think about your motives and reevaluate yourself if something doesn't seem right. Keep in mind, God sees what men cannot and once again I remind you that He judges us by the REASONS behind our actions... and what is in our hearts.

Bible Reference: - Proverbs 16:2. 2 all a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.