Proverbs 21:29 (BSB)

A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure.

From Proverbs 21. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 21:29

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 21:29: Here is, 1. The presumption and impudence of a wicked man: He hardens his face - brazens it, that he may not blush - steels it, that he may not tremble when he commits the greatest crimes; he bids defiance to the terrors of the law and the checks of his own conscience, the reproofs of the word and the rebukes of Providence; he will...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments 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 them: or, he "strengthens with his face" (l); 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...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 21:29: hardeneth his face--is obstinate. directeth . . . way--considers it, and acts advisedly.
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 21:29: Pro 21:29 Another proverb with אישׁ: - A godless man showeth boldness in his mien; But one that is upright-he proveth his way. The Chethı̂b has יכין; but that the upright directeth, dirigit, his way, i.e., gives to it the right direction (cf. 2Ch 27:6), is not a good contrast to the boldness of the godless; the Kerı̂, הבין דּרכּו, deserves the preference. Aquila, Symmachus, the Syr., Targ., and Venet.