Proverbs 21:29 - Exposition

A wicked man hardeneth his face; is shameless (as Proverbs 7:13 ), and is insensible to rebuke or any soft feeling. This obduracy he shows with his countenance. Septuagint, "An ungodly man shamelessly withstands with his face." But as for the upright, he directeth his way. He gives it the right direction ( 2 Chronicles 27:6 ). This is the reading of the Khetib, יָכִין but, though generally adopted by the versions, it does not make a suitable antithesis to the rash stubbornness of the wicked. Hence modern commentators prefer the reading of the Keri, יָבִין , "he considereth, proveth," his way; he acts only after due thought, giving proper weight to all circumstance. Septuagint, "But the upright man himself understands ( συνιεῖ ) his ways." The contrast lies in the audacious self-confidence of the unprincipled man, and the calm circumspection and prudence of the saint.