Proverbs 21:29

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about a bold face:

Proverbs 21:29 (ESV)

A wicked man puts on a bold face,

but the upright gives thought to his ways.

We are taught to read the "body language" of others.  Especially their facial expressions.   Some statistics tell us that 80% of the message we interpret from others is from body language.  Not sure of the accuracy of the stat but we certainly do communicate a lot with our face.   And, we are taught in Proverbs that our face often reflects our heart.  However, in this proverb we see Solomon warning us about something with the face.  Sometimes it shows something that is not congruent with other parts of our life.  "A "wicked" man will display a "bold" face," but that doesn't mean he has a reason for boldness.   The second line of the proverb seems to be a contrast to the first.  It seems to imply that something is wrong with the "bold" facial expression of the wicked.   In contrast to him the "righteous" man doesn't necessarily portray a "bold" face, but rather "makes a sure plan" (which is a reason to be bold).  The proverb is warning us that even though the wicked may act bold, and even believe it, they have no reason.  It is based upon false ideas and plans.   The upright, on the other hand, makes plans and has a reason to be bold.   Their plans are sure because an upright person plans around God's character and that gives them a real reason to be bold:

Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)

The wicked flee when no one pursues,

but the righteous are bold as a lion.

So, put  your plans in God and be bold.  On the other hand, don't always believe the non-verbal looks of the unbeliever.