Self-will and stubbornness are traits that manifest in the refusal to listen to or obey God's commands. These characteristics are often depicted in the Bible as detrimental to one's spiritual well-being and relationship with God. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings against such attitudes, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience.

Biblical Examples:

1. Israel's Rebellion:
The nation of Israel frequently exhibited self-will and stubbornness, particularly during their wilderness journey. Despite witnessing God's miracles, they repeatedly refused to obey His commands. In Deuteronomy 9:6-7 , Moses reminds the Israelites, "Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people. Remember this and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God in the wilderness."

2. King Saul:
King Saul is a prominent example of self-will leading to downfall. His refusal to fully obey God's command to destroy the Amalekites resulted in God's rejection of him as king. In 1 Samuel 15:23 , the prophet Samuel declares, "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and arrogance is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king."

3. The People of Judah:
The people of Judah also demonstrated stubbornness by refusing to heed the warnings of the prophets. Jeremiah 7:24 states, "Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward."

Consequences of Self-Will and Stubbornness:

The Bible consistently warns that self-will and stubbornness lead to negative consequences, both spiritually and materially. These traits are often associated with a hardened heart, which prevents individuals from experiencing God's blessings and guidance.

1. Separation from God:
Persistent self-will results in a separation from God, as seen in Isaiah 59:2 : "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."

2. Divine Discipline:
God disciplines those who exhibit stubbornness, as a means to bring them back to righteousness. Proverbs 29:1 warns, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery."

3. Loss of Blessings:
The refusal to hearken to God often results in the loss of divine blessings. In Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, emphasizing the importance of listening to His voice.

Call to Obedience:

The Bible calls believers to reject self-will and stubbornness, urging them to embrace humility and obedience. James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission is a recognition of God's authority and a willingness to follow His guidance.

In summary, self-will and stubbornness are significant barriers to a faithful relationship with God. The Bible provides clear examples and teachings that highlight the importance of listening to and obeying God's commands, encouraging believers to cultivate a spirit of humility and submission.Proverbs 1:24
Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What is libertarian free will? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian play video games? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus