Proverbs 21:29
A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בְּפָנָ֑יו
his face
H6440
בְּפָנָ֑יו
his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְ֝יָשָׁ֗ר
but as for the upright
H3477
וְ֝יָשָׁ֗ר
but as for the upright
Strong's:
H3477
Word #:
5 of 8
straight (literally or figuratively)
ה֤וּא׀
H1931
ה֤וּא׀
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
Proverbs 11:5The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.Psalms 119:5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!Psalms 119:59I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.Proverbs 28:14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.Jeremiah 5:3O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.1 Thessalonians 3:11Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.Ezekiel 18:28Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.Haggai 1:7Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
Historical Context
Pharaoh's hardened heart exemplifies this principle. Despite repeated judgments, he refused to humble himself, resulting in increasing hardness and ultimate destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- When confronted with sin, do you harden yourself defensively or humbly repent?
- What evidence of teachability and course correction exists in your life?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked person 'hardeneth his face'—showing stubborn defiance and refusing correction. He presents bold confidence in his wickedness, unashamed and unrepentant. By contrast, the upright person 'directeth his way'—carefully considers his path and adjusts course according to wisdom. This describes opposite responses to moral instruction. The wicked double down on error; the righteous humbly correct. Hardening is both cause and effect of judgment—people harden themselves, and God hardens them further in judgment (Romans 1:24-28). The upright demonstrate teachability and wisdom by examining and directing their steps according to God's will. Repentance and course correction mark genuine faith.