This Proverb says, “A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.” There are many people in the world who resist God. They either refuse to believe in God, or they resist obeying God. They resist God because they want to be free to sin. They are given over to the sins in their lives and don’t want any deterrence for their behavior. They are on a path to eternal destruction, but incredibly they don’t care.
God is patient and merciful. The Bible says that God doesn’t want anybody to be destroyed. So, He gives people time to repent of their sins. He will motivate them to change by afflicting them. However, many given to sin will refuse to see the linkage between their sins and the afflictions in their life.
I believe an obvious example of this is the AIDS disease. I believe that God provided AIDS to motivate people to turn away from homosexual behavior, which the Bible condemns. However, many in the In the world refuse to believe that AIDS was given as a deterrent or motivation to change.
This Proverb indicates that God will continue to be patient for a time. However, there is a point when those who refuse to repent of their sins and change their behavior will be destroyed. This will happen suddenly.
The Bible says this destruction will be eternal. It will last forever. Knowing that Truth should provide ample motivation to repent of sinful behavior before it is too late.
