Topical Encyclopedia
The term "headstrong" refers to a willful, obstinate, or stubborn disposition, often characterized by a refusal to listen to advice or adhere to guidance. In the context of biblical teachings, being headstrong is generally viewed as a negative trait, associated with pride and rebellion against divine authority.
Biblical References:1.
Proverbs 21:29 · "A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure." This verse contrasts the headstrong nature of the wicked, who are resolute in their defiance, with the upright, who seek to establish their path through wisdom and righteousness.
2.
Isaiah 48:4 · "Because I knew that you are stubborn, and your neck is iron sinew and your forehead bronze." Here, God addresses the Israelites, highlighting their headstrong nature as a barrier to obedience and spiritual growth. The imagery of an "iron sinew" and "bronze forehead" underscores the inflexibility and resistance to divine instruction.
3.
2 Timothy 3:1-4 · "But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." This passage lists characteristics of people in the last days, including being "reckless" and "conceited," which align with the concept of being headstrong. Such traits are indicative of a self-centered life that prioritizes personal desires over God's will.
Theological Implications:In biblical theology, headstrong behavior is often linked to the sin of pride. Pride leads individuals to rely on their own understanding and reject divine wisdom. This is contrary to the biblical call for humility and submission to God's authority.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." The headstrong person, by contrast, leans on their own understanding, often resulting in spiritual and moral downfall.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:From a moral standpoint, headstrong behavior can lead to conflict and division within communities and families. The refusal to listen to wise counsel or to consider the perspectives of others can result in isolation and broken relationships. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and counsel, as seen in
Proverbs 12:15: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel."
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility and teachability, recognizing the value of godly wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
James 1:19-20 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." By being open to correction and willing to change, individuals can overcome headstrong tendencies and align their lives more closely with God's purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Not easily restrained; ungovernable; obstinate; stubborn.
2. (a.) Directed by ungovernable will, or proceeding from obstinacy.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HEADSTRONGhed'-strong.
SeeHEADY.
Greek
4312. propetes -- falling forward, headlong... 4312 s (an adjective derived from 4253 , "before" and 4098 , "to fall") -- properly,
"fall forwards," ie
headstrong; rash ("heady"), brought on by unbridled
...Library
Very Lately it Happened Thus: While the Bounty of Our Most...
... to be passed upon his conduct"whether on the part of Christians I do not know, for
those of the heathen are not different"as if he wereheadstrong and rash...
the Nature of this Oversight
... For some persons there are who, though expert in spiritual ministry, go about it
in aheadstrong manner, and while acting intelligently, tread underfoot any...
Christian Meekness
... 12, 13). Meekness is the bridle of anger'. The passions are fiery and
headstrong; meekness gives check to them. Meekness bridles...
Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable
... who were a terror and a burden to their families, being delivered from the stings
of a guilty conscience, from the dominion ofheadstrong passions, from the...
The Letter of the Church of Rome
... We refer to the abominable and unholy schism, so alien and foreign to those whom
God has chosen, which a few impetuous andheadstrong fellows have fanned to...
John Christopher Hartwick.
... cattle. He isheadstrong (koppich), that is, self-willed, and will not
allow any one to tell him anything or to give him advice....
A Preacher from the Dead
... Hear them speak for themselves, "If I had such a temper as so-and-so, what a good
man I would be! But with myheadstrong disposition it is impossible....
Aurelian Might have Recollected the Fate of the Captived Emperor.....
... Aurelian might have recollected the fate of the captived emperor, yet, being of
a nature outrageous andheadstrong, he forgot both his sin and its punishment...
Chap. xxxviii. But that which Distinguished his Character, and in...
... What else can I call it but a blind andheadstrong passion? Yet such epithets
feebly express my indignation in reciting his enormities....
To Urban vi
... Gregory had been, if anything, only too susceptible to influences from varying quarters:
Urban's arbitrary andheadstrong nature resented any interference....
Thesaurus
Headstrong (2 Occurrences)...HEADSTRONG. hed'-strong.
...Headstrong (2 Occurrences). 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors,
headstrong,
conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (WEB WEY ASV).
...Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)
... Their evil genius, Egypt, however, is busy with the tooheadstrong upstart rulers;
and about the middle of the reign Zedekiah breaks his covenant with his over...
Heady (1 Occurrence)
... ready to do anything," "precipitate," "headlong" (2 Timothy 3:4, "heady, high-minded,"
etc., the Revised Version (British and American) "headstrong"; in Acts 19...
Volition
... British and American) "cruel purpose"); "willful" (Ecclesiasticus 30:8) is proales,
the Revised Version (British and American) "headstrong"; "willing" (The...
Lovers (57 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors,headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather
than lovers of God; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Treacherous (34 Occurrences)
... Macedonia. (DBY). 2 Timothy 3:4 treacherous,headstrong, self-important. They
will love pleasure instead of loving God, (WEY NAS RSV NIV)....
Traitors (2 Occurrences)
... Traitors (2 Occurrences). 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors,headstrong, conceited, lovers
of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)....
Rash (18 Occurrences)
... puffed up, (DBY). 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors,headstrong, conceited, lovers of
pleasure rather than lovers of God; (See NIV). Leviticus 5:4...
Reckless (8 Occurrences)
... boasting. (WEY). 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors,headstrong, conceited, lovers of
pleasure rather than lovers of God; (See NAS RSV). Numbers...
Disorderly (8 Occurrences)
... Titus 1:7 For the overseer must be free from all charge against him as God's steward;
notheadstrong, not passionate, not disorderly through wine, not a striker...
Resources
Who was Abimelech in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are there so few men in the church? | GotQuestions.orgHeadstrong: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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