Proverbs 29:1, “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.”

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. Be quick to listen and repent whenever the Lord corrects you.
  3. Walk humbly both before God and man.