King James Version

What Does Proverbs 21:29 Mean?

Proverbs 21:29 in the King James Version says “A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. directeth: or, considereth” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. directeth: or, considereth”

Proverbs 21:29 · KJV

Context

27

The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind? with: Heb. in wickedness?

28

A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly. A: Heb. A witness of lies

29

A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way. directeth: or, considereth

30

There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

31

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. safety: or, victory

Read Proverbs 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pharaoh's hardened heart exemplifies this principle. Despite repeated judgments, he refused to humble himself, resulting in increasing hardness and ultimate destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. When confronted with sin, do you harden yourself defensively or humbly repent?
  2. What evidence of teachability and course correction exists in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הֵעֵ֬ז1 of 8

“hardeneth”

H5810

to be stout (literally or figuratively)

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 8

“man”

H376

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)

רָשָׁ֣ע3 of 8

“A wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

בְּפָנָ֑יו4 of 8

“his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְ֝יָשָׁ֗ר5 of 8

“but as for the upright”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

ה֤וּא׀6 of 8
H1931

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

יָכִ֬ין7 of 8
H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

דַּרְכֹּֽיו׃8 of 8

“his way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 21:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 21:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 3:11Proverbs 11:5Haggai 1:7Haggai 2:18-19Psalms 119:5Jeremiah 5:3

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Proverbs 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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