Proverbs 21:29

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

Proverbs 21:29 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
English Standard Version (ESV)
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright gives thought to his ways.
New Living Translation (NLT)
29 The wicked bluff their way through, but the virtuous think before they act.
The Message Bible (MSG)
29 Unscrupulous people fake it a lot; honest people are sure of their steps.
American Standard Version (ASV)
29 A wicked man hardeneth his face; But as for the upright, he establisheth his ways.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
29 A wicked person puts up a bold front, but a decent person's way of life is his own security.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but the upright man considers his way.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
29 A sinful man tries to look as if he were bold. But an honest person thinks about how he lives.

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 detestable— how much more so when brought with evil intent!
28 A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.
29 The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 14:8
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