Series | The Wisdom of Proverbs, Part 2
Scripture | Proverbs 29:1, “Whoever remains
stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.”
Lesson 29 | Stiff-Necked
Everyone in life from time to time will be rebuked-
either by the Lord in prayer, a trusted pastor, a loving friend, or even a
spouse or parent. How you respond to
correction will determine your ultimate outcome. If you are stiff and unmovable you will
eventually be broken beyond repair.
However, if you are flexible and willing to change you will prosper.
What is most terrifying about this proverb is
the warning to the stiff-necked. King
Solomon wrote that they will “suddenly” be “destroyed without remedy.” Without remedy means, “nothing will be able
to fix or repair them.” This kind of
judgment can be seen with the people of Israel when God continually sent them
warnings but they did not listen, Jeremiah 2:30. Eventually God punished them by allowing
their enemies to conquer and capture them and there was nothing anyone could do
to stop the destruction, Jeremiah 6:19.
The same is true in the end times when God
hands over the people to a delusion and allows them to be destroyed because
they refused to listen to the truth and be saved, 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12. During this end time tribulation after people
receive the mark of the Beast they can no longer be saved, Revelation 14:11.
As a result, I believe this proverb is best
understood in the context of God’s judgment because when we do make some mistakes
in pride we can have restoration.
However, when we refuse to listen to God after many warnings the
judgment is sure. The Bible also says in
Hebrews 10:26-27, “26 If we deliberately
keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice
for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging
fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
Therefore, make a decision today to listen to
what God is saying through the rebukes He may give you personally and through
others.
Reflection | Do you receive correction from the Lord in humility?
Action | (1) Ask God to remove any pride you may have in your life in regards to receiving correction. (2) Lastly, be quick to listen and repent whenever the Lord corrects you.
One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | 2 Samuel 14:1-15:22, John 18:1-24, Psalm 119:97-112, & Proverbs 16:8-9. Click here to read online.
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