As we open up this chapter the very first verse addresses being stiff-necked. So, what’s a stiff-necked person? Someone who is stubborn, obstinate, and doesn’t hear a word we are saying. We all have these types of folks in our lives. They are not hearing anything we are saying. It’s like their ears are stopped up with something in them, blocking all sound. Maybe we embrace being stiff-necked as well?
Walking in this type of behavior, continually, can lead to some destruction. We’ve all had stubborn streaks, at times, but “A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed–without remedy.” Proverbs 29: 1
Be wise! Don’t remain stubborn! Listen to what the Lord is saying here. There are examples in scripture where stubbornness caused people to die.
Sometimes God will walk away and let our stubborn and rebellious ways be seen and heard.
Here’s what He told the children of Israel:
“My people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me.
So, I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.” Psalm 81: 11-13
In rebellion and anger, we exhibit how really foolish we are. “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Proverbs 29: 11
Remember, a fruit of the Spirit is self-control. If we struggle in this area, seek counsel and ask the Lord for help. His Spirit will identify the root of all the anger, if we ask.
Could the root of holding on to anger be pride? Yes, maybe in some instances. Usually, folks who are proud are also stubborn.
Maybe it’s time to let some stuff go! If we don’t, it could hinder our spiritual walk.
“A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.” Proverbs 29: 23
Don’t let pride be your downfall.
When I looked up the word, “downfall,” it said: A loss of power, prosperity, or status. The antonym (opposite) said: To rise, salvation, and survival.
I thought about Lucifer (Satan) who was cast down from heaven because of pride. He lost his status in heaven.
Pride is an ugly evil that God hates! He knows how it can change the course of a God-given destiny.
We are called to rise, be saved, and survive death, only through Jesus.
“A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father…” Proverbs 29: 3
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on My Beloved’s Voice
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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