משלי, פרק כ״ט, פסוק א׳

Chronic stubbornness and a refusal to accept criticism ultimately pave the way for a sudden and irreversible downfall. The primary approach among commentators views this dynamic through the lens of a person who constantly hears correction but actively chooses to ignore it. This individual might be someone who requires constant guidance and receives repeated warnings [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, עמנואל הרומי]. Alternatively, it refers to someone who experiences suffering brought upon him by God, intended to steer him away from a destructive path and help him improve his character [רלב״ג]. Another perspective sees this person as highly argumentative, constantly contradicting logical evidence and fighting against those trying to guide him [מלבי״ם].

In all these cases, the individual remains deeply stubborn, refusing to listen [רש״י, מצודת דוד] and staying completely indifferent to his own wrongdoing [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The consequence for such behavior is a sudden shattering. Whatever strength or resilience the stubborn person appears to have is only temporary, and his eventual collapse will happen rapidly and without warning [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ, עמנואל הרומי].

This destruction is absolute and permanent, acting as a direct measure-for-measure consequence. Because the person refused to be healed through the guidance and correction offered to him, he is struck with a crushing blow that has no remedy [רלב״ג]. Typically, suffering acts as a bitter medicine meant to heal the soul. However, for someone who remains stubborn and refuses to change his ways even when faced with hardship, no cure remains [מלבי״ם].

In stark contrast, an entirely different approach shifts the focus away from the listener and directs it toward the one giving the criticism [אמרי דעת]. Within this view, there are two distinct paths. The first describes a hypocrite who preaches beautifully but fails to practice what he teaches. He presents himself as a righteous person, publicly correcting the masses for their sins, while secretly committing those exact same offenses and stubbornly refusing to fix his own flaws [חומת אנך, עמנואל הרומי]. The second path describes a person of influence who has the power to correct wrongdoers and guide them back to the right path, yet stubbornly refuses to get involved. Because he chooses silence and avoids his duty to speak up when others would have listened, it is he himself who will face a sudden downfall [אלשיך].