Stiff-Necked People

Another descriptor for pride is “stiff-necked,” meaning stubborn, uncompromising, or unwilling to do what someone else wants. It’s the perfect description of a young toddler who doesn’t want to give up the toy that doesn’t belong to her or to obey whoever is speaking to her. Anyone who has spent time with children has seen the stiffening of the spine and neck, sometimes crossing their arms, and the turning away of their body and face. They literally turn away from what should have their attention. Sadly, too many adults haven’t matured much beyond this stage.