Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
Proverbs 29:1 NIV
There seems to be no one who ended up in destruction because of their sin without having shunned correction. Correction by parents, friends, and family, by the ministers of God’s word, through the revelation from the Holy Scripture, and by their own conscience. However, it may not show itself in a loud voice, yet it is intentional and specific in its instructions and mode of operation.
Since the purpose of rebuke is not necessarily to exert force, therefore, there is always a choice whether to adhere to the correction or not. The Lord is calling our attention to our attitude towards correction, lest, we fall into the same error. Let us consider some other translations that we may gain further insights into God’s word.
For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, There’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it’ll be too late to help them.
Proverbs 29:1 MSG
Some people refuse to bend when someone corrects them. Eventually they will break, and there will be no one to repair the damage.
Proverbs 29:1 ERV
What is your disposition to correction? Do you hate discipline? Are you being incorrigible – do you shun correction? There is a looming danger for such that continue in this path; for sinners that always shun the call unto repentance; for the erring saints walking in the darkness; for the young and old alike. The same fate lies ahead of them all.
There is a sudden destruction waiting for the stiff-necked; a breaking for those who would not bend to correction. Those who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, in a moment will be caught up in destruction without remedy. Those who fail to bend in the direction of the light will break in the darkness of their sins. Unfortunately, it would be total destruction; a brokenness they cannot fix. No one would be able to help them when this happens.
The question to you now is this: “Would you rather bend or break suddenly?”
