He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Proverbs 29:1

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall.

Proverbs 29:16

Explanation:
There is a third pattern that we see in this passage that I want to observe. We have already seen the pattern of leadership and discipline. We have also seen the pattern of discipline and blessing. Today I want us to observe the pattern of rebellion and destruction.

In verse 1 we see a person in desperate need of correction. The leader is administering correction regularly. He is “oft reproved.” But in this verse the person is described as someone that “hardeneth his neck”. This is someone who is being stubborn to those in authority over them. It speaks of rebellion. Imagine the teenager with folded arms, slouched in the chair, rolling their eyes while saying, “I’m never doing that.” This is not the only iteration of this kind of person, but the example fleshes out the attitude. The ultimate end of an unteachable, stubborn person is that there will be the kind of destruction that cannot be fixed. There are choices that are made by rebellious, undisciplined people that can not be undone. There is a warning in this verse that rebellion leads to destruction.

Verse 16 is similar. A lack of discipline in one life can affect a lack of discipline in many other lives. We influence each other. Notice the pattern in the verse. More wicked people in a culture leads to more transgression, which leads to destruction viewed by those who are doing the right thing. This seems painfully relevant today. Discipline brings blessing, and rebellion leads to destruction.

Application:
A rebellious person is not teachable. They do not take correction. They never think they are wrong. The natural result is to walk right into the consequences of their foolishness.

The answer that one must employ if this is the case in their life is repentance. There must be a change of heart and change of mind about their attitude and response. Their must be a plea for forgiveness and a change of direction.

Response:
Is there an area of your life where you have become unteachable? Repentance is the right response!