Psalms 81:12 - So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that they might walk in their own counsels.

Generated Verse: Psalms 81:12

What does "Psalms 81:12" mean?


Psalm 81:12 (ESV) reads: "So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that they might walk in their own counsels."

This verse expresses God's sorrowful response to the people's persistent disobedience and rejection of His guidance. It highlights a critical consequence of rejecting God:

"So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts": This indicates God's withdrawal of His protective hand and direct guidance. Because the people were unyielding in their rebellion ("stubbornness of their hearts"), God, in His justice and respect for their free will, allowed them to follow their own inclinations. "Stubbornness of their hearts" speaks to a deliberate and willful refusal to listen to and obey God's commands.

"that they might walk in their own counsels": This phrase reveals the outcome of God's withdrawal. When God removes His direct intervention, people are left to their own devices, their own "counsels" or plans. This often leads to disastrous consequences because human wisdom is limited and flawed compared to God's perfect wisdom. It is important to remember the meaning here is that they can follow the plans conceived in their own hearts (often with negative outcomes).

In essence, the verse signifies a spiritual abandonment. God, out of respect for their choices, allows them to experience the natural consequences of their rebellion. This is not a sign of God's indifference but rather a painful acknowledgement of their persistent refusal to obey and a tragic choice on their part. It's a verse of warning, illustrating the danger of rejecting divine guidance and the potential for self-destruction that lies in following one's own flawed wisdom. It also illustrates the principle of sowing and reaping. Their choice of stubbornness will inevitably lead them to walk in their own flawed plans.

Think of it like a parent warning a child not to touch a hot stove. If the child stubbornly ignores the warning, the parent might reluctantly step back and allow the child to experience the burn, hoping it will be a lesson learned. The parent's love doesn't disappear, but they allow the consequences of the child's actions to teach them.

Ultimately, the verse underscores the importance of humility, obedience, and seeking God's wisdom in all things.