Mask Book

(Proverbs 21:29 KJV)  A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

What is the difference between a “hardened” “face” (6440) and a “directed” (3559) “way” (1870)?

While it is true that “hardenenth” (5810) means “strong” it is implied here that it is a mask.  An appearance of confidence will get you through many times.  I once heard a presentation by a guy who started with, “Hi.  I’m the phone guy.”  He had the belt and the shirt but he had no ID.  He said the costume alone gained him admittance to many secure areas.

The security we will face will not be a bored rent-a-cop sitting behind a desk and wondering when he should take his coffee break.  We will stand before the judgement seat of Almighty God who can see into our hearts and motives. 

We can approach the thrown with boldness.  We can have a “directed” (sure NASB) (3559) step because we have lived lives of uprightness.

So?  Did you notice I did not say “live the lives of the perfect, without error”?  Walking with Jesus is a matter of attitude, obedience, repentance and correction.  It is called being upright.