The term "hard-faced" is used in the Bible to describe individuals who exhibit a stubborn, unyielding, or defiant demeanor. This expression often characterizes those who are resistant to correction, instruction, or repentance. The concept of being hard-faced is closely associated with a hardened heart, which is frequently mentioned in Scripture as a spiritual condition that separates individuals from God.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 21:29 : "A wicked man hardens his face, but the upright man makes his way sure." This verse contrasts the hard-faced nature of the wicked with the integrity of the upright. The hardening of one's face is symbolic of a refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing or to change one's ways, while the upright person seeks to walk in righteousness and truth.

2. Ezekiel 3:7-9 : "But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to Me, because all the house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted. Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. I have made your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house." In this passage, God equips the prophet Ezekiel with a hard face to match the obstinacy of the Israelites. This divine empowerment underscores the prophet's mission to confront a rebellious people who have turned away from God.

3. Jeremiah 5:3 : "O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent." Here, the hard-faced attitude of the people is linked to their refusal to repent despite God's corrective actions. Their hardened demeanor is indicative of a deeper spiritual rebellion and insensitivity to divine discipline.

Theological Implications:

The hard-faced individual in Scripture is often portrayed as being in opposition to God's will. This condition is not merely an external expression but reflects an internal state of the heart. A hard face is symptomatic of a deeper spiritual malaise, where pride, rebellion, and self-reliance take precedence over humility, obedience, and dependence on God.

The Bible warns against the dangers of a hardened heart and face, as these traits can lead to spiritual blindness and separation from God. The call to repentance and transformation is a recurring theme, urging individuals to soften their hearts and turn back to God.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to examine their own hearts and attitudes to ensure they are not developing a hard-faced disposition. This involves being open to correction, willing to repent, and seeking to align one's life with God's truth. The example of the upright man in Proverbs serves as a model for believers to follow, emphasizing the importance of integrity and righteousness in one's walk with God.

In ministry and personal relationships, Christians are called to approach others with compassion and understanding, recognizing that a hard-faced demeanor may be a barrier to effective communication and reconciliation. Through prayer, patience, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can work to soften their own hearts and the hearts of those they encounter.

Waiting for the Irish Boat
... But we met another storm below: for who should be there but the famous Mr. Gr"-,
of Carnarvonshire a clumsy, overgrown, hard-faced man; his countenance I ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/waiting for the irish boat.htm

Among Snares
... Jesus looked for a moment upon the scene,"the trembling victim in her shame,
the hard-faced dignitaries, devoid of even human pity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 50 among snares.htm

Hard-faced (1 Occurrence)
Hard-faced. Hardest, Hard-faced. Hardhearted . Multi-Version
Concordance Hard-faced (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 28:50 ...
/h/hard-faced.htm - 6k

Hardest (6 Occurrences)

/h/hardest.htm - 8k

Hardhearted (2 Occurrences)

/h/hardhearted.htm - 7k

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