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shattered beyond recovery

Proverbs 29:1-27 (JDV).

Proverbs 29:1 One who becomes stiff-necked, after many reprimands will be shattered instantly — beyond recovery.
Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.
Proverbs 29:3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but one who consorts with prostitutes destroys his wealth.
Proverbs 29:4 By justice a king brings stability to a land, but a person who demands “contributions” demolishes it.
Proverbs 29:5 A person who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
Proverbs 29:6 An evil person is caught by sin, but the righteous one sings and rejoices.
Proverbs 29:7 The righteous person knows the rights of the poor, but the wicked one does not understand these concerns.
Proverbs 29:8 Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.
Proverbs 29:9 If a wise person goes to court with a fool, there will be ranting and raving but no resolution.
Proverbs 29:10 Bloodthirsty men hate an honest person, but the upright care about his throat.
Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise person holds it in check.
Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
Proverbs 29:13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common: Yahveh gives light to the eyes of both.
Proverbs 29:14 A king who judges the poor with fairness– his throne will be established forever.
Proverbs 29:15 A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a youth left to himself is a disgrace to his mother.
Proverbs 29:16 When the wicked increase, rebellion increases, but the righteous will see their downfall.
Proverbs 29:17 Correct your child, and it will bring you peace of mind and give your throat delight.
Proverbs 29:18 Without revelation people run wild, but one who follows divine instruction will be fortunate.
Proverbs 29:19 A servant cannot be corrected by words; though he understands, he doesn’t respond.
Proverbs 29:20 Do you see someone who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 29:21 A servant pampered from his youth will become arrogant later.
Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered one increases rebellion.
Proverbs 29:23 A person’s pride will humble him, but a humble spirit will gain honor.
Proverbs 29:24 To be a thief’s partner is to hate one’s own throat; he hears the curse but will not testify.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in Yahveh is protected.
Proverbs 29:26 Many desire a ruler’s favor, but a person receives justice from Yahveh.
Proverbs 29:27 An unjust person is repulsive to the righteous, and one whose road is upright is repulsive to the wicked.

shattered beyond recovery

A stiff neck is one that refuses to move, even when there is cause for it. This is how the sages described a person who was rebuked many times for engaging in destructive behavior, yet never changed. Perhaps some of your friends have been pointing out a need in your own life for a change. Perhaps you are hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit prompting you to do so. Listen! Turn before it is too late. A neck shattered beyond recovery is death.

LORD, forgive us for our stubbornness. Help us o change.