Proverbs 21:29

29 The wicked put on a bold face, but the upright give thought to their ways.

Proverbs 21:29 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 21:29

A wicked man hardeneth his face
Against all corrections and reproofs of parents, masters, ministers, and others; he blushes not at sins committed, and is not ashamed of them, but glories in them: or, he "strengthens with his face" F12; he puts an impudent face upon his words, and confirms them by his impudence; if he tells the most notorious lies, and says things the most shameful and scandalous, his countenance does not alter, by which he would be thought to have spoken what is right and true; but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way;
or "his ways" F13; according to the various reading; the man that is upright in heart, and walks uprightly, he directs his way according to the word of God; and, if he does amiss, when sensible he is ashamed of it, and amends.


FOOTNOTES:

F12 (wynpb zeh) "roborat vultu suo", Baynus; "in faciebus suis", Montanus.
F13 (wykrd) (ta odouv autou) , Sept. "vias suas", Baynus, Tigurine version, Mercerus, Gejerus.

Proverbs 21:29 In-Context

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when brought with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish, but a good listener will testify successfully.
29 The wicked put on a bold face, but the upright give thought to their ways.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the Lord.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Another reading is [establish]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.