“Guzhi” means stubbornness in Chinese, indicating both positive and negative meanings. If a man chooses what is right and holds past to it, he’ll be called a person of “jeshanguzhi”. But normally the word “guzhi” is used in a negative way. “Stubborn as a mule” is an English idiom we’ve heard, meaning to be very determined not to change one’s decision or opinion about something; for example, it is difficult to change his mind and he is as stubborn as a mule.

In the Old Testament God often called his people, the Israelites, stiff-necked children, meaning they were stubborn. They people of Israel have seen God’s many miracles and wonders, and experienced his rescue, but they still didn’t trust God obediently. When Moses was the leader of Israel, God commanded his people to obey and follow his commandments through Moses; yet they kept complaining to Moses and God about food, water and daily supplies while wandering in the wilderness. Therefore God became irritated with his own people saying, “How long can endure this people?”

In the book of Isaiah God also told his people through the prophet Isaiah that his people were stubborn and rebellious. “’Ah, stubborn children,’ declared the Lord, ‘who carry out a plan, but not mine, who make an alliance, but not of my spirit’” (30:1). The people of Israel sinned against God by making their own plan, which was not in line with God. In the scenario, his people turned to Egypt for help instead of seeking God help. Israel predicted that the Israelites would be humiliated and disgraced, because the plan was not from God and deals made with Egypt was directed from his spirit.

We could make the same mistakes as the Israelites—carrying out our own plans without inquiring of God in the beginning. What is right when we make decisions? The “right” must be right with God.