Proverbs 21:29 Meaning and Explanation
“A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wicked person stiffens in defiance; the upright person adjusts their course toward righteousness.
The Context of Proverbs 21:29
Wickedness hardens the heart; uprightness allows course correction.
What Does Proverbs 21:29 Mean?
To harden one's face is to adopt a posture of defiance and refusal. The wicked person becomes rigid, unyielding, unable or unwilling to change. They have set themselves against goodness and will not soften or bend, even when circumstances demand it.
The upright, by contrast, 'directeth his way'—actively steers his course toward integrity. This implies flexibility and responsiveness to truth, a willingness to adjust and improve. Where the wicked grows more entrenched, the upright grows more aligned with what is right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 21:29
What does Proverbs 21:29 mean?
The wicked person stiffens in defiance; the upright person adjusts their course toward righteousness.
What is the context of Proverbs 21:29?
Wickedness hardens the heart; uprightness allows course correction.