Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…

Reading through the 31 chapters of Proverbs each month can give us an understanding of how to serve God.

Proverbs 29:1; 1:23 NKJV

Proverbs 29

¹ He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Proverbs 1

²³ Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you. .

Proverbs 1:23 is God’s promise to a wise response to being reproved. Chapter 29:1 is the description of one who does not respond and to the result of his failure.

The reproof spoken of is not “one and done.” They cynic’s view of God waiting around the corner to cut off the head of any who fails to obey a single admonition is not the truth of the Scriptures. Proverbs correctly identifies the guilty one as being “often reproved.” The first fact given in the description is that this offense is habitual in his criminal behavior.

The second part of the description gives insight into his motive. He is stubborn. This trait can be either inherited or acquired. We are not told how he comes by this. Either way it is equally destructive because it is always foolish.

The third point of interest is the destruction with its guarantee and to what extent. The ESV describes it as “broken beyond healing.”

Two matters about this verse to remember:

A. Virtues and faults are stated in absolute terms. We will observe different degree of application.

B. The picture of offender and destruction is that which is experienced in this world. There are many steps between the first reproof and solitary confinement in a state prison. But unrepentant stubbornness makes the solitary cell much more probable.