Stubbornness and scoffing are on the rise. People often describe their stubbornness as a badge of honor and what makes them unique, and along with that comes an attitude of accepting it and don’t expect me to change. At the same time, you have people who criticize and attack everything everybody else does but gets hyper-defensive when someone does it to them. Solomon asked long ago, “How long will you be this way?”
Proverbs 1:22-23
How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my Spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
Are You Like This?
Solomon describes three types of people that resist wisdom. The first is the simple person. At first glance, this seems like something desirable. Keep life simple, except that in Solomon’s words, simple has no purpose in life and is easily manipulated. The second person, a scoffer. These types are usually successful and confident person who is opinionated and will take you down in a heartbeat. The final person is the fool, who is stubborn and always knows better.
A Gift from God
Wisdom from God is something that He wants you to have. It is described as a woman crying out in the street. If you scoff at it or stubbornly turn your back, you will miss some of the keys to life. Wisdom is difficult because it confronts your weaknesses and forces you to make a choice, but if you respond to it and change your ways, it will renew you.
How Long Will You Be This Way?
Have you been bucking wisdom? Are you stubbornly resisting changing some habits? If you turn from those by asking the Lord for forgiveness for your attitude, He will pour out His Spirit on you. Gone will be the dark moodiness of your attitude, and in its place will be a new humility and openness to God’s Word. Don’t let your need to be right prevent you from letting the Spirit change your heart.