Self-will and stubbornness are often depicted in the Bible as characteristics that lead individuals away from God's guidance and wisdom. These traits are frequently associated with a lack of faith or unbelief, which can manifest in a refusal to submit to God's will and commandments.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness: The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is a prime example of self-will and stubbornness rooted in unbelief. Despite witnessing God's miracles, they repeatedly doubted His promises and chose their own path. In Numbers 14:11 , the Lord says to Moses, "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?"

2. Pharaoh's Hardened Heart: Pharaoh's refusal to let the Israelites go, despite the plagues that God sent upon Egypt, illustrates stubbornness stemming from unbelief. Exodus 7:13 states, "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said."

3. The Stubbornness of Saul: King Saul's disobedience to God's commands is another example. His self-will led to his downfall, as he prioritized his own desires over God's instructions. In 1 Samuel 15:23 , the prophet Samuel declares, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king."

4. The Unbelief of the Pharisees: The Pharisees' rejection of Jesus as the Messiah is a New Testament example of stubbornness due to unbelief. Despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings, they clung to their own interpretations of the law. In John 12:37 , it is written, "Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him."

Consequences of Self-Will and Stubbornness

The Bible consistently warns of the consequences of self-will and stubbornness. These traits lead to spiritual blindness and separation from God. Proverbs 29:1 warns, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery."

Call to Humility and Faith

Scripture calls believers to abandon self-will and stubbornness, urging them to embrace humility and faith. James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission is an act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and wisdom over one's own understanding.

Conclusion

The Bible presents self-will and stubbornness as obstacles to a faithful relationship with God, often arising from a heart of unbelief. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises and submit to His will, recognizing that true wisdom and guidance come from Him alone.2 Kings 17:14
Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

part i
... Fear and uneasiness proceed from unbelief ... inexcusable are faint-heartedness and unbelief
in the ... and feelings; every inward slothfulness, stubbornness, or other ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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