Proverbs 19:1

I haven’t had much time to continue through John, so I was reading Proverbs today. Just one verse. Proverbs 19:1 – A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

 

What a picture of the unrepentant man! He refuses to turn away from his sin. But it is not as though he has been calmly considering the matter all on his own. No, others have rebuked him. Others have charged him with sin. Yet he continues doing what is wrong. And he has not been rebuked merely once, but many times. Each time he thinks about what he is doing, he chooses to ignore the many rebukes of those who are urging him to be righteous! Each time he is faced with the choice to turn from his sins and do good, he chooses sins! Knowingly.

 

The Bible consistently teaches that his life will end in destruction. Most of us have gone through times where it seemed as though everything was falling apart. Biblically, I think the best example is Job. He lost his flocks and herds, and even his children! But Job is not the example intended for this man, because Job’s losses had a remedy. God ultimately blessed Job again! This man, though, who refuses to turn away from sin – this man’s destruction will be total. Without remedy.

 

Father, protect us all from our own stubborn ways! It is more comfortable for us, less painful, to leave things the way they are. Especially with “little” sins, we want to bank on your grace to such an extent that we don’t want to give them up. But rebellion is rebellion. Father, may we submit to You, our King. May we serve You wholeheartedly, loving You with all our hearts. May we acknowledge that our inconvenience, our discomfort, and even our pain are not acceptable excuses! May we acknowledge that we have tried Your patience for far too long, and that even our best efforts require Your grace, and may we obey You to give You the joy You deserve.