Proverbs 29 - A Tender Heart (notes)

Proverbs 29 - A Tender Heart

Proverbs 29:1

• A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed--without remedy.
• When a man is this stubborn there is no remedy for him.

Fathers

• Have a great role to play in the development and future of their children.
• Who have a tender heart toward God will be understanding with their children.
• Who obey God’s Word will experience the blessing of the Lord.

A Man

• Has a powerful role in the life of their families, especially in the life of their children.
• Has great influence in future generations as he walks in obedience to God’s Word.
• Can have a tender heart or a hard heart. A tender heart is obedient while a hard heart is a stubborn one.

A Foolish King

• Rebelling against God’s commands will result in God’s hand being against us. I Samuel 12:15
• Obedience would have given Saul a perpetual kingdom. He acted foolishly. (verse 13)
• God looked for a man after His heart to give him an enduring kingdom. (verse 14)

Sacrifice Or Obedience

• To obey is better than sacrifice.
• Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as idolatry.
• When we reject the Word of the Lord, He will reject us.
• We could sacrifice to God but if we are not obedient we demonstrate a hard heart.

I Samuel 15:22-26

When God Makes A Decree

• It is established on earth as it is in heaven so when God makes a command in His Word it is to our benefit that we obey.
• God told Israel not to make images (idols) or bow down to them. Stubbornness is like worshipping an idol.
• A stubborn heart leads to rebellion which is the system of government satan rules by.

Blessing & Cursing

Deut. 28

• Blessing comes through obedience.
• Cursing comes through disobedience.
• Obedience leads to exaltation.
• Obedience leads to blessing.
• Obedience leads to prosperity.

Consequences of Stubbornness
Deut. 28:16

(Which lead to disobedience):

1. Cursed in the city & country.
2. Curse on your basket & bowl.
3. Curse on your children.
4. Curse on your land.
5. Curse on your animals.
6. Cursed coming and going.
7. Confusion and contrariness on everything you do.

Some People

• Say the Old Testament is no longer applicable to us today.
• But the sermon on the mount teaches that Grace is much more severe. Jesus said, don’t murder, but I say, if you call your brother a fool you have murdered him in your heart.

The Bottom Line

• Is that God honors men with tender hearts who will obey God’s Word regardless of the inconvenience.
• Stubbornness is idolatry. Is says me first then God.
• Stubbornness is one of the worst sins that destroys people.
• Obey God’s Word, stay flexible and God will guide and bless you.