Proverbs 21:29

29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.

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 he brings it with wicked intent!
28 A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.
29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.
30 There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord.
31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Qere and Septuagint read understands.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.