Hardhearted: A Biblical Perspective on Spiritual Stubbornness

Hardheartedness is an obstinate refusal and coldness of thought and response to God, characterized by a lack of concern for others. This condition manifests as selfishness, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to be moved by compassion or conviction.

Characteristics of Hardheartedness

Hardheartedness is described in Scripture using various terms: selfish or tight-fisted; stubborn; stiff-necked; having an unbelieving heart; without love or concern (Deut 15:7-8; Mk 3:5; Act 7:51). This condition reflects a heart that has become insensitive to the needs of others and resistant to God's voice.

After Cain killed his brother Abel, God asked, "Where is your brother Abel?" Cain's heartless response was, "I don't know. Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen 4:9). This illustrates the self-centered indifference that defines hardheartedness—a refusal to take responsibility for others and a dismissal of accountability before God.

The first two travelers who saw the beaten man on the Jericho Road were hardhearted, ignoring his desperate predicament. Jesus said we are to respond as the Good Samaritan did—he gave up his own agenda, took pity on the victim, and attended to his obvious needs (Lk 10:30-37). This parable contrasts the indifference of the hardhearted with the compassion of those whose hearts remain tender.

Life's unwelcome, painful events can cause us to withdraw and become insensitive to the needs of those around us as we grapple with our own struggles. We should process our own experiences of wounding so we can minister effectively to hurting people. The Bible asks, "Can the love of God dwell in such a heartless person if they don't meet the pressing needs when it is in their ability to do so?" (Jas 2:16; 1 Jn 3:17).

Job, in the midst of his own intense personal suffering, ministered to his friends, and it was then his situation dramatically changed (Job 42:8-10). This demonstrates that maintaining a tender heart—even in the midst of personal pain—opens the door for God's blessing and restoration.

Consequences of Hardheartedness

Because of their stubborn attitude in the wilderness—continually resisting God's will and sinning—the older Israelites hardened their hearts and did not enter the Promised Land (Num 14:22-23, 32:11). David warned his readers, "Don't harden your hearts" (Ps 95:8-11). This can be interpreted as "don't be rebellious, don't disobey" or simply "Don't resist the Spirit" (1 Thes 5:19).

Submission outworked as obedience is the path to victory and blessing. The picture is of plowing up the hard soil of our hearts to provide ideal conditions, or else the good seed of God's Word won't be able to take root and produce the desired results (Jer 4:3; Mk 4:14-15).

God did not initially harden Pharaoh's evil heart or override his free will, yet foreknew the determined approach the Egyptian ruler would take by failing to let the Hebrews go. Pharaoh made his mind up and, in stubbornness, hardened his heart, with God later strengthening the resolve he had already formed in his heart.

The Bible records these terms: "he would not listen…unyielding heart…did not take even this to heart…he hardened his heart…stubbornly refused…" (Ex 7:3-4, 8:15,32, 9:12,16, 10:1,20,27, 11:10, 14:4,8). It was only after the sixth of ten plagues that it is recorded, "But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart," giving him up to his desires—in a similar manner to those who "Do not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind" (Rom 1:18,24,26,28).

Sin leads to more sin, which leads to a hardening of the heart, unless God intervenes. Pharaoh had increasingly reinforced his attitude and resisted the grace of God; now he was reaping the consequences of the decision he had been sowing. God's way prevailed, yet at a huge loss to the whole nation of Egypt.

In another account of God hardening hearts, we must imagine that God foresaw that the enemies would not believe the signs He would give in favor of the Israelites, and that by meeting them in battle, they brought a swift and speedy destruction on themselves (Josh 11:20). A hardened heart does not respond to spiritual truth as it should but resists God, who only hardens the hearts of those in rebellion already against Him.

In the hands of God, hearts already hardened by sin and wickedness can be further hardened to achieve God's purpose (Act 2:23). However, this is not God's desire for anyone. He desires that all would turn to Him and receive His mercy rather than persist in rebellion until their hearts become permanently hardened.

This is the deceitfulness of sin, and sinful, unbelieving, rebellious hearts turn away from God (Heb 3:7-19). There comes a time when God will cease to reason with people, and He confirms the prideful decision that rejects the truth and conviction of the Holy Spirit (Gen 6:3; Prov 29:1).

Ultimately God will get through to such people that He is God, that He should have been listened to and obeyed, but it will be too late for them to respond correctly (Ex 7:4-5, 9:14, 14:4,18; Rom 2:5). Those who reject God are unaware of the life and wisdom that is available in Him (Eph 4:18).

Satan endeavors to keep humanity spiritually blind or ignorant so they can't see and enter into the victory and blessing that is available in Christ (2 Cor 4:4; 1 Jn 3:8). What we do with the knowledge is the vital question. Even as Christians we need to increase in our knowledge and experience of the life He gives so we can enter into it more and more (Jn 10:10).

If we are hardhearted toward the voice of God, we will also be hardhearted toward the lost for whom we should have intense compassion when we consider their eternal destiny. A hard heart toward God inevitably produces a hard heart toward others.

Remedy and Protection

As a hard, stony heart doesn't submit to God's will, why not regularly pray, "God, please give me the grace to respond correctly to You and my fellow man" (Ps 51:10; Ezek 18:31; 2 Cor 5:17). He says, "I will give you a heart of flesh [responsive, gentle, and vulnerable] in place of your heart of stone" (Ezek 11:19, 36:26).

David was such a man who, when he had done wrong, repented (even though the consequences remained). Knowing God and His ways intimately, with corresponding obedience, is the key to having a tender, flexible heart that responds to people's reasonable requests, fulfills one's duty, and is concerned about others (Ex 12:36; Mal 4:6; Mt 25:40).

A soft, responsive, tender heart hears and obeys what the Holy Spirit says. Therefore, be quick to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This often comes through the conscience and being other-focused by doing what is best for them, as the golden rule suggests.

Regular self-examination, confession, and a willingness to be corrected help maintain a tender heart. Surrounding ourselves with others who share this commitment and holding one another accountable provides protection against the gradual hardening that can occur when we walk alone.

The ultimate protection against hardheartedness is abiding in Christ and allowing His love to flow through us to others. As we remain connected to Him, His Spirit continually softens our hearts and enables us to respond with compassion and obedience.

Reflection and Application:

• Examine your heart for areas of hardness or indifference toward God and others.
• Ask God to reveal any stubborn attitudes or resistance to His leading.
• Practice responding quickly to the Holy Spirit's promptings and conviction.
• Commit to maintaining a tender heart through regular prayer and self-examination.