Our Stubborn Way

"And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they reverted and behaved more corruptly than their fathers, by following other gods, to serve them and bow down to them. They did not cease from their own doings nor from their stubborn way."

Judges 2:19

A student of the Bible ought to be a careful observer of words and their meaning.  Since God has chosen to communicate with people through His written word, it remains a primary way of effectively communicating with others.  Confusion and consternation is caused when the definition of a word used does not agree with how others define it.  Over time the meaning of words can change and some of the intrinsic implications can erode, and it is beneficial to retain the original definition of words when they have been hijacked by modern sensibilities or through ignorance.  And I am not speaking about Hebrew or Greek, for the working knowledge of our own language lays a solid foundation of understanding that can be built upon.

Even as muscles atrophy from lack of use, the definition of words can become flabby and weak.  Meaning once clearly conveyed can be slowly lost over time.  While studying Judges recently, I happened upon the word "stubborn" several times, and I looked into how it is defined and the way it is used in the Bible.  I have heard people call others stubborn as a negative trait, and the same person can use the same term to refer to themselves in a positive sense.  As is typical with words, there is a range of definitions to filter through.  The Cambridge Dictionary defines "stubborn" without passing judgment:  "A stubborn person is determined to do what he or she wants and refuses to do anything else."  The 1828 Webster's Dictionary is a bit stronger:  "Unreasonably obstinate; inflexibly fixed in opinion; not to be moved or persuaded by reasons."  The word is described as "refractory" which means, "Sullen or perverse in opposition or disobedience; obstinate in non-compliance."

Looking at the word "stubborn" from a biblical perspective, it is always spoken of in a negative sense and is often coupled with rebellion.  While people may use the word stubborn to indicate a person who is resolute, steadfast, perseverant and persistent--all good traits when applied to doing what is right--the Bible does not use it in this sense.  "Stubborn" is a good description of people determined to go their own way; it is one who is unreasonable and will not be persuaded by any evidence.   Biblically speaking, someone who is stubborn will not submit to God or His correction and remains unwilling to listen to or be moved by Him.  Psalm 78:8 says it indicates one whose heart is not right, disloyal to God and unfaithful to Him.  Deuteronomy 21:18-21 shows under Mosaic Law a stubborn and rebellious son who persisted in disobedience, who refused to be corrected of gluttony and drunkenness despite discipline, was to be brought to the elders and face the death penalty "...to put away the evil from you, and all Israel shall hear and fear."

So the next time you refer to someone else or yourself as stubborn, consider the biblical implications of this word.  It may be a badge of honour among some to be stubborn, but to me it conveys foolishness and rebellion against God I want no part of.  Knowing how the Bible speaks of stubbornness also makes me careful not to flippantly brand others of being stubborn.  In using this word I will yield to the perspective of Scripture, lest God show me to be stubborn myself--full of my own thoughts and ways with no consideration of Him.  Blessed are those who are persuaded by God's word and yield to Him, for He is truth and wisdom.