The term "wrong-headed" refers to a stubborn adherence to erroneous beliefs or opinions, often in the face of clear evidence or reason. In a biblical context, wrong-headedness can be seen as a form of folly or foolishness, where individuals persist in their own misguided ways rather than seeking wisdom and understanding from God.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Pharaoh's Stubbornness: One of the most prominent examples of wrong-headedness in the Bible is Pharaoh's refusal to let the Israelites go, despite the clear signs and wonders performed by God through Moses. In Exodus 7:13 , it is written, "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said." Pharaoh's obstinacy led to the plagues that devastated Egypt, illustrating the destructive consequences of a wrong-headed approach.

2. The Foolishness of Idolatry: The Bible frequently addresses the folly of idolatry, where people worship created things rather than the Creator. In Isaiah 44:19 , it is stated, "No one considers in his heart, no one has the knowledge or insight to say, 'I burned half of it in the fire; I even baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and ate. Shall I make a detestable thing from what is left? Shall I bow down to a block of wood?'" This passage highlights the irrationality and wrong-headedness of idol worship.

3. The Rejection of Wisdom: Proverbs often contrasts wisdom with folly, emphasizing the importance of seeking understanding. Proverbs 1:7 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Wrong-headedness is associated with a rejection of divine wisdom, leading individuals away from the path of righteousness.

4. The Pharisees and Legalism: In the New Testament, the Pharisees are often depicted as wrong-headed in their strict adherence to the letter of the law while neglecting its spirit. Jesus rebukes them in Matthew 23:23 , saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness." Their wrong-headed focus on minor details led them to miss the broader principles of God's law.

5. The Call to Repentance: The Bible consistently calls individuals to turn from their wrong-headed ways and seek God's guidance. In Acts 3:19 , Peter urges, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Repentance involves acknowledging one's wrong-headedness and aligning one's life with God's truth.

Theological Implications

Wrong-headedness is often rooted in pride, self-reliance, and a refusal to submit to God's authority. It is contrasted with the biblical virtues of humility, teachability, and a willingness to be corrected. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek wisdom from God, who "gives generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5). By doing so, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of wrong-headedness and walk in the light of God's truth.

Obedient Disobedience
... Warm-hearted impulsiveness, often wrong-headed and sometimes illogical, had been
their mark; but here we have calm, fixed determination, which, as is usually ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/obedient disobedience.htm

Letter cix. To Julian, Bishop of Cos.
... be removed from their mad congregations; and not only Eutyches and Dioscorus but
also any who have been forward in aiding their wrongheaded madness, be placed ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter cix to julian bishop.htm

Whether, in Computing Years, we Ought to Follow the Hebrew or the ...
... But far be it from any prudent man to believe either that the Jews, however malicious
and wrong-headed, could have tampered with so many and so widely ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 13 whether in computing years.htm

Of the Resurrection of the Flesh, which Some Refuse to Believe ...
... a few obscure, inconsiderable, uneducated persons, who state and write that they
witnessed it, is it not unreasonable that a handful of wrong-headed men should ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 5 of the resurrection of.htm

Matt. vi. 1
... that, if it were possible, it may be concealed from the very hands that minister."
It is not, as some say, that we should hide it from wrong-headed [828] men ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xix matt vi 1.htm

Asa
... ones, are nine times out of ten in the wrong, and that if you see a man or boy striving
earnestly on the weaker side, however wrong-headed or blundering he may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/asa.htm

Wrong-headed (1 Occurrence)
Wrong-headed. Wrongfully, Wrong-headed. Wrong-hearted . Multi-Version
Concordance Wrong-headed (1 Occurrence). 2 Thessalonians ...
/w/wrong-headed.htm - 6k

Wrongfully (15 Occurrences)

/w/wrongfully.htm - 10k

Wrong-hearted (1 Occurrence)
Wrong-hearted. Wrong-headed, Wrong-hearted. Wronging . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Wrong-headed, Wrong-hearted. Wronging . Reference Bible.
/w/wrong-hearted.htm - 6k

Everybody (15 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Thessalonians 3:2 and that we may be delivered from wrong-headed and
wicked men; for it is not everybody who has faith. (WEY). ...
/e/everybody.htm - 10k

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