Proverbs 21:29
Proverbs 21:29 in Multiple Translations
A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways.
The evil-doer makes his face hard, but as for the upright, he gives thought to his way.
The wicked act as bold as brass, but those who live right consider carefully what they're doing.
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but the iust, he will direct his way.
A wicked man hath hardened by his face, And the upright — he prepareth his way.
A wicked man hardens his face; but as for the upright, he establishes his ways.
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
The wicked man impudently hardeneth his face: but he that is righteous, correcteth his way.
Wicked people pretend that they know everything, but righteous people think carefully about what will happen because of what they do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 21:29
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 21:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵעֵ֬ז
אִ֣ישׁ
רָשָׁ֣ע
בְּ/פָנָ֑י/ו
וְ֝/יָשָׁ֗ר
ה֤וּא
יכין
יָבִ֬ין
דרכי/ו
דַּרְכּֽ/וֹ
הֵעֵ֬ז
ʻâzaz
H5810
be strong
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
רָשָׁ֣ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
בְּ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וְ֝/יָשָׁ֗ר
yâshâr
H3477
Jashar
Conj | Adj
ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יכין
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
יָבִ֬ין
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
דרכי/ו
derek
H1870
way
N-cp | Suff
דַּרְכּֽ/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 21:29
הֵעֵ֬ז
ʻâzaz
H5810
"be strong"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This verb means to be strong or prevail, and can also mean to make something firm. It's used in the Bible to describe God strengthening someone or someone becoming strong. The KJV translates it as 'harden' or 'strengthen'.
Definition: 1) to be strong 1a) (Qal) to be strong, prevail 1b) (Hiphil) to make firm, strengthen
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: harden, impudent, prevail, strengthen (self), be strong. See also: Judges 3:10; Proverbs 7:13; Psalms 9:20.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
רָשָׁ֣ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
בְּ/פָנָ֑י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וְ֝/יָשָׁ֗ר
yâshâr
H3477
"Jashar"
Conj | Adj
Jashar refers to being straight or just, like doing what is convenient and right. A man named Jashar lived before Israel's monarchy, as mentioned in Joshua 10:13. He wrote a book of poetry and songs, now lost.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jos.10.13
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: convenient, equity, Jasher, just, meet(-est), [phrase] pleased well right(-eous), straight, (most) upright(-ly, -ness). See also: Exodus 15:26; Psalms 32:11; Psalms 7:11.
ה֤וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יכין
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
יָבִ֬ין
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
דרכי/ו
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
דַּרְכּֽ/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Study Notes — Proverbs 21:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 21:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 21:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:29
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
- Sermons on Proverbs 21:29
Context — The King’s Heart
27The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought with ill intent!
28A lying witness will perish, but the man who listens to truth will speak forever.
29A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.
30There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. 31A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 3:11 | Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. |
| 2 | Proverbs 11:5 | The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. |
| 3 | Haggai 2:18–19 | Consider carefully from this day forward—from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day the foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid—consider carefully: Is there still seed in the barn? The vine, the fig, the pomegranate, and the olive tree have not yet yielded fruit. But from this day on, I will bless you.” |
| 4 | Haggai 1:7 | This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 18:28 | Because he considered and turned from all the transgressions he had committed, he will surely live; he will not die. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:5 | Oh, that my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! |
| 7 | Jeremiah 5:3 | O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:59 | I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies. |
| 9 | Proverbs 28:14 | Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 8:12 | Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD. |
Proverbs 21:29 Summary
[Proverbs 21:29 teaches us that a wicked person becomes stubborn and unrepentant, while a good person trusts in God and makes their path clear. This means that when we choose to follow God and do what is right, He will guide us and help us make good decisions (as seen in Psalm 37:23-24). On the other hand, when we choose to disobey God and do what is wrong, we can become hardened and resistant to correction. By trusting in God and following His commandments, we can make our way sure and live a life that is pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a wicked man to 'harden his face'?
To harden one's face means to become stubborn, unrepentant, and resistant to correction, as seen in Proverbs 21:29 and also in Proverbs 28:14, which warns that the one who hardens his heart will fall into evil.
How does an upright man 'make his way sure'?
An upright man makes his way sure by trusting in God and following His commandments, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says to trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will make your paths straight.
Is it possible for a wicked man to change and become upright?
Yes, it is possible for a wicked man to change and become upright through repentance and faith in God, as seen in 1 Timothy 1:13-16, where the apostle Paul shares his own testimony of transformation from a wicked man to a servant of Jesus Christ.
What is the ultimate outcome for the wicked man and the upright man?
The ultimate outcome for the wicked man is judgment and condemnation, as stated in Proverbs 21:29, while the upright man will receive blessing and reward, as seen in Matthew 25:34, where the righteous will inherit eternal life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be hardening my own heart against God's correction, and how can I become more receptive to His guidance?
- In what areas of my life do I need to trust God to make my way sure, and how can I practically apply Proverbs 3:5-6 to those situations?
- How can I balance being upright and making my way sure with the reality of living in a fallen world, where challenges and uncertainties are inevitable?
- What does it mean for me to 'make my way sure' in my daily decisions and actions, and how can I ensure that I am following God's will for my life?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 21:29
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. A wicked man hardeneth his face: but (as for) the upright, he directeth his way.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
Hardeneth his face; continueth in evil courses with obstinacy and impudence, in spite of all the commands of God, or counsels of men. He directeth his way; he ordereth his steps aright; and if at any time, he goeth awry, he doth not add rebellion to his sin, nor persist in his error, but considereth his ways, and turneth his feet to God’ s testimonies, as David did, . Or, considereth his way, remembering with grief and shame what he hath done, and taking better heed to himself for the future.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
Proverbs 21:29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but [as for] the upright, he directeth his way.Ver. 29. A wicked man hardeneth his face.] Procaciter obfirmat vultum suum, so the Vulgate renders it. The false witness impudently defends, or at least extenuates and excuses his falsities. Frontem perfricat, assuens mendacium mendacio, as the Hebrew hath it. He thinks to make good one lie by another; to outface the truth, to overbear it with a bold countenance. It seems to be a metaphor from a traveller that sets his face against the wind and weather, and holds on his journey, though he be taking long strides towards destruction. But as for the upright, he directeth his way.] He proceeds warily, weighs his words before he utters them, and delivers nothing but the naked truth. And truth is like our first parents, most beautiful when naked. Some interpreters take this verse as setting forth the difference between the wicked and the godly, without any relation to the false and true witness. And then it is Sententia sapiente digna, saith one, tam paucis verbis tam profundum sensum cumulans; a sentence worthy of Solomon, as having so much in a little. αντοφθαλμειν.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
(29) A wicked man hardeneth his face.—Is insensible to rebuke, and will not confess himself in the wrong, but “the upright directeth his way,” as God would have him, or, as the margin implies, “looks well” to it, sees that it is in accordance with His commandments.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
Verse 29. He directeth his way] Instead of יכין yachin, he directeth, upwards of fifty of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., several ancient editions with some of the versions, read יבין yabin, he understands; and because he understands his way, he is able to direct himself in walking in it.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 21:29
29. directeth] Or, ordereth, R.V. corrigit, Vulg. There is another reading, noticed in the marg. both of A.V. and R.V., considereth; συνίει, LXX.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 21:29
Directeth - i. e., Makes straight and firm. On one side it is the callousness of guilt; on the other side it is the confidence of integrity.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 21:29
29. Hardeneth his face — Puts on a bold, impudent look. Directeth — Establishes, prepares, his way. “Beats firm.” — Miller. What the other attempts to do by impudence he does by unassuming uprightness of character.
Sermons on Proverbs 21:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Story Does Your Face Tell? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that our facial expressions serve as a reflection of our inner state, declaring that our countenance reveals the joy or turmoil within us. He highlights |
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(Poland) the Capacity to Be Stirred by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing the hardships of communism in Poland. He recalls the scarcity of goods in the grocery stores and the long que |
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There Is Something About the Cross by Arthur Blessitt | Arthur Blessitt shares powerful testimonies of carrying the cross around the world, preaching the message of Jesus and experiencing overwhelming responses from people eager to hear |
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(Awake! Series): Consider Your Ways by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the arbitrary nature of worldly pursuits and the neglect of one's soul and relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of consideri |
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The Reproach of the Solemn Assembly by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the negative effects of the prosperity gospel and false prophets on believers. He describes witnessing people engaging in strang |
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Five Steps to Genuine Revival by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and learning how to pray effectively. He urges believers to pray with fervor and passion, using prayer as a weapon |
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Consider Your Ways by Stephen Kaung | The sermon from the book of Haggai emphasizes the importance of considering one's actions before God, focusing on the consequences of neglecting the house of God and prioritizing p |