Proverbs 29:1 - Exposition

He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck; literally, a man of reproofs— one who has had a long experience of rebukes and warnings. Compare "a man of sorrows" ( Isaiah 53:3 ). The hardening of the neck is a metaphor derived from obstinate draught animals who will not submit to the yoke ( Deuteronomy 10:16 ; Jeremiah 2:20 ; Jeremiah 27:8 ). Christ calls his yoke easy, and bids his followers to bear it bravely ( Matthew 11:29 . etc.). The reproofs may arise from the Holy Spirit and the conscience, from the teaching of the past, or from the counsel of friends. The LXX . (as some other Jewish interpreters) takes the expression in the text actively, "A man who reproves ( ἐλέγχων ) is better than one of stiff neck." Shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy ( Proverbs 6:15 ; Proverbs 15:10 ). The incorrigible and self-deluding sinners shall come to a fearful and sudden end, though retribution be delayed (comp. Job 34:20 ; Psalms 2:9 ; Jeremiah 19:11 ). And there is no hope in their end; despising all correction, they can have no possibility of restoration. We may refer, as an illustration, to that terrible passage in the Epistle to the Hebrews ( Hebrews 6:4 , etc.), and to the fate of the Jews unto the present day. Septuagint, "For when he is burning suddenly, there is no remedy."