A Moment In Proverbs: 29:1

Proverbs 29:1,
“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
 

Have you known obstinate people? Many of us have experienced obstinate family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.  These people bring us much grief.  There seems to be a propensity to object or reject commonsense. And sadly, some of us have been obstinate in matters of the heart and our walk before the LORD.
 
Even though obstinate people are reproved by those in authority, they stiffen their bristles and put up walls to cling to their way of thinking. The unfortunate consequences to their actions is that often, their decisions to be obstinate is their own undoing.
 
God hates vanity and pride, and behaving in an obstinate manner is pride in action.  Closing the ears and heart before listening to the suggestions offered to resolve conflict or chose a different methodology of approaching a complex situation, leaves the obstinate member frustrated but often more determined to have things their way.
 
God calls this hardening their neck or stiffened neck.  When dealing with someone who’s obstinate about their sin, we encounter people who will not succumb to the Holy Spirit’s leading.  They refuse reproof, despise it, and hate it! (See Proverbs 10:17; Proverbs 5:12 and Proverbs 12:1).
 
Obstinacy is rebellion and rebellion destroys the soul.  Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry (see 1 Samuel 15: 23). As God’s word reminds us today, if those who are obstinate/rebellious; they shall be suddenly destroyed, in the midst of their security and without remedy.
 
Prayer:  LORD, do you know us as a stiff necked people?  Have we turned our hearts toward rebellion?  Forgive us, if we have not been sensitive to your leading or to the instruction of those who speak in wisdom.  LORD, it is easy for us to see these behaviors in other people, but when we look at our own hearts, we often try to justify our rebellion.  LORD, show your people the sins of rebellion in their lives.  Teach us to flee from this sin and repent from this wickedness. LORD, we thank you that you are a loving God who is constantly working in our hearts to perfect us into the reflection of Jesus Christ.  Take our hearts LORD and mold them so that they become pleasing vessels of your handiwork.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
 
Abiding Still,
Connie Renfro ©