Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Stubbornness, in a biblical context, refers to an obstinate persistence in one's own ways, often in defiance of God's will or guidance. It is characterized by a refusal to change one's mind or course of action, even when confronted with divine truth or correction. The Bible frequently addresses stubbornness as a negative trait, associating it with rebellion and a hardened heart.
Biblical References:1.
Old Testament Examples:·
Pharaoh's Hardened Heart: One of the most notable examples of stubbornness is Pharaoh's refusal to let the Israelites go, despite the plagues that God sent upon Egypt.
Exodus 7:13 states, "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said."
·
Israel's Rebellion: The Israelites are often described as a stubborn people, particularly during their wilderness wanderings. In
Deuteronomy 9:6 , Moses reminds them, "Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people."
2.
Warnings Against Stubbornness:·
Proverbs and Wisdom Literature: The Book of Proverbs frequently warns against stubbornness, equating it with folly.
Proverbs 29:1 cautions, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery."
·
Prophetic Rebukes: The prophets often rebuked Israel for their stubbornness.
Jeremiah 7:24 laments, "Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward."
3.
New Testament Insights:·
Spiritual Stubbornness: In the New Testament, stubbornness is seen as a barrier to spiritual growth and repentance.
Romans 2:5 warns, "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed."
·
The Pharisees: Jesus often confronted the Pharisees for their stubborn adherence to tradition over the commandments of God. In
Mark 3:5 , Jesus, "looked around at them with anger, grieved by their hardness of heart."
Theological Implications:Stubbornness is often linked to pride and self-reliance, which are contrary to the humility and submission that God desires from His people. It is seen as a spiritual condition that can lead to a separation from God, as it resists the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a heart of flesh, responsive to God's leading, as opposed to a heart of stone.
Practical Considerations:Believers are called to examine their hearts for any signs of stubbornness and to seek God's help in cultivating a spirit of obedience and humility. Prayer, repentance, and a willingness to be corrected by Scripture and fellow believers are essential in overcoming stubbornness. As
James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Topical Bible Verses
Proverbs 16:22Understanding is a wellspring of life to him that has it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
Topicalbible.orgIsaiah 63:17
O LORD, why have you made us to err from your ways, and hardened our heart from your fear? Return for your servants' sake, the tribes of your inheritance.
Topicalbible.org
Ezekiel 11:19
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:
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Greek
4643. sklerotes -- hardness... obstinacy, perverseness. Cognate: 4643 -- hardness (literally, "hard from
being "), ie
stubborn, obstinate. See 4642 (). Word Origin
...Library
The Cost ofBeing Cruel andStubborn
... THE OLD TESTAMENT THE COST OFBEING CRUEL ANDSTUBBORN. Then Jehovah said to
Moses, "Pharaoh isstubborn; he will not let the people go....
AStubborn Foe Routed.
... He fought bitterly againstbeing disembodied again... second part of the reply:""This
kind can come out by nothing but by prayer." Some less-stubborn demons may...
What Say Ye, O Minds Incredulous,Stubborn, Hardened? did that...
... What say ye, O minds incredulous,stubborn, hardened? Did that great Jupiter
Capitolinus of yours give to any humanbeing power of this kind?...
Stubborn Little Sammy.
...Stubborn Little Sammy.... He was a bright, nervous little fellow, never still a moment,
and the father thought he would have such a dread ofbeing undressed and...
Consummation of Thomas the Apostle.
... And after a long time, it happened that one of the sons of Misdeus was a demoniac;
and the demonbeing stubborn, no one was able to heal him....
Being Easily Entreated
... They are ready to "balk"; their kindness is gone; they becomestubborn; if there
is trouble... Still another thing that prevents ourbeing easily entreated is pride...
Conditions ofBeing Saved
... You may well despair ofbeing saved without Christ and without repentance; but you
are... thing God demands of you is that you should bow yourstubborn will to Him...
Scriptural Poems;Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested...
... SCRIPTURAL POEMS;BEING SEVERAL PORTIONS OF SCRIPTURE DIGESTED INTO ENGLISH
VERSE. viz., I. The Book of Ruth 2.The History of Samson III....
The Children's Bible
... THE VOICE FROM THE BUSH. PHARAOH THESTUBBORN RULER. THE COST OFBEING CRUEL AND
STUBBORN. THE ESCAPE FROM EGYPT. GOD'S COMMANDS TO THE PEOPLE....
A Double Wrestling Match.
... Here is the upper, the unseen:"a "wrestling," keen,stubborn, skilled, going on
between... really deciding the issue, for they are on the groundbeing contested...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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