Proverbs 6:15

KJV

Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore shall his calamity {H343} come {H935} suddenly {H6597}; suddenly {H6621} shall he be broken {H7665} without remedy {H4832}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore disaster suddenly overcomes him; unexpectedly, he is broken beyond repair.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in an instant he will be shattered beyond recovery.

American Standard Version

Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; On a sudden shall he be broken, and that without remedy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:15 delivers a stark and solemn warning, culminating the preceding description of the deceitful and destructive individual by declaring the inevitable and swift consequences of persistent wickedness. This verse underscores the divine certainty and irreversible nature of judgment for those who reject wisdom and righteousness, emphasizing that their downfall will be sudden, unexpected, and utterly beyond repair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic pronouncement of judgment against the "worthless person, a wicked man" described in [Proverbs 6:12-14](/proverbs/6-12 "Proverbs 6:12-14 - Description of the Wicked Man"). The opening "Therefore" (לָכֵן, _lāḵēn_) establishes a direct causal link, indicating that the calamity is a natural and just consequence of the described character's actions—walking with a "crooked mouth," winking, shuffling, pointing, devising evil, and sowing discord. Following this severe warning, the passage transitions into a list of [seven things that are an abomination to the Lord in Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - The Seven Abominations"), further illustrating the specific nature of the wickedness that incurs such definitive judgment. Within the broader wisdom literature of Proverbs, this verse powerfully articulates the ultimate fate of the wicked, contrasting it implicitly with the flourishing of the righteous, a theme prevalent throughout the book (e.g., [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - Paths of the Righteous and Wicked")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Proverbs originates from ancient Israel's wisdom tradition, which emphasized the observation of the moral order embedded in creation and the consequences of aligning with or rebelling against it. In this cultural setting, wisdom was not merely intellectual knowledge but practical skill for living righteously in covenant with God. The concept of swift and decisive justice, while often delayed in human experience, was understood as an ultimate reality in God's moral universe. The "suddenly" implies that while human patience may wear thin, divine patience has a limit, and the consequences, though perhaps not immediate, will be inescapable and arrive without warning when that limit is reached. This reflects a worldview where divine retribution, though sometimes appearing slow, is certain and proportionate to sustained rebellion against God's established order.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 6:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Sudden and Inescapable Judgment**, underscoring that the consequences of persistent wickedness will arrive unexpectedly and without prior warning, leaving no opportunity for preparation or escape. Secondly, the phrase "without remedy" emphasizes the theme of **Irreversible Consequences**, signifying a state of complete and utter brokenness from which there is no recovery, healing, or possibility of restoration. This is not a temporary setback but a final and definitive downfall. Lastly, the verse strongly affirms the theme of **Divine Justice**, asserting a fundamental principle of God's moral universe: actions have consequences. While God is characterized by patience and longsuffering (as seen in [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Patience Leads to Repentance") and [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")), there is a limit to His forbearance, and ultimately, justice will be served. This aligns with the biblical principle of [sowing and reaping](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping"), where one's actions inevitably lead to corresponding outcomes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Calamity (Hebrew, _ʼêyd'_):** This word (H343) derives from a root suggesting "bending down," implying oppression, misfortune, or ruin. In this context, it refers to a devastating event or condition that overtakes a person, signifying a crushing disaster that brings one low.
* **Broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** The verb (H7665) means to burst, shatter, or crush. It implies complete destruction, often with an emphasis on the physical or structural integrity being destroyed beyond repair. Here, it speaks to the utter collapse and ruin of the wicked person's life and being.
* **Remedy (Hebrew, _marpêʼ'_):** This noun (H4832) means "curative," referring to a medicine, a cure, or healing. When combined with the negative particle "without" (אֵין, _ʼên_), it powerfully conveys absolute incurability, hopelessness, and the impossibility of recovery or restoration from the inflicted ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly":** This opening clause establishes a direct and inevitable consequence for the wicked person described previously. The word "therefore" acts as a logical connector, indicating that the impending disaster is a just and unavoidable outcome of their persistent evil. The term "calamity" signifies a crushing misfortune or ruin, and its sudden arrival emphasizes the unexpected and swift nature of divine judgment, allowing no time for evasion or preparation.
* **"suddenly shall he be broken":** The repetition of "suddenly" intensifies the warning, reinforcing the unexpected and rapid onset of the judgment. The verb "broken" vividly portrays a complete shattering or crushing, indicating that the wicked person will be utterly destroyed, their life and plans collapsing entirely. This is not a minor setback but a comprehensive and devastating downfall.
* **"without remedy":** This concluding phrase underscores the absolute finality and incurability of the judgment. It signifies a state of complete and utter brokenness from which there is no recovery, no healing, no possibility of restoration, and no hope of escape. The ruin is definitive and irreversible, sealing the fate of the unrepentant wicked.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark warning. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically of the word "suddenly" (appearing twice). This repetition serves to emphasize the unexpected and rapid nature of the impending judgment, creating a sense of urgency and inevitability. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where the second clause ("suddenly shall he be broken without remedy") reinforces and intensifies the first ("Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly"). This creates a cumulative effect, driving home the certainty and severity of the consequence. Furthermore, **Figurative Language** is evident in the word "broken," which is a powerful metaphor for complete and utter ruin, extending beyond mere physical harm to encompass the destruction of one's life, reputation, and future. The phrase "without remedy" functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and irreversible nature of this destruction, leaving no room for hope or recovery.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:15 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering moral order of God's universe. It teaches that persistent and unrepentant wickedness, though it may seem to prosper for a time, ultimately leads to a divinely ordained, swift, and irreversible judgment. This principle is not merely a threat but a revelation of God's justice and holiness, demonstrating that He is not indifferent to evil. While God is patient and offers opportunities for repentance, there comes a point where His forbearance gives way to righteous judgment, ensuring that every action has its just consequence. This verse serves as a solemn warning, urging humanity to recognize the gravity of sin and the certainty of its ultimate recompense, thereby encouraging a life aligned with wisdom and righteousness.

* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - Hardened Neck, Sudden Destruction")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:3](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Sudden Destruction for the Unprepared")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:15 serves as a profound call to introspection and a sobering reminder of the ultimate trajectory of a life lived in persistent rebellion against God's wisdom. It warns us against the deceptive allure of sin, which often promises temporary gratification or perceived advantage, only to deliver sudden, devastating, and irreversible consequences. The "suddenly" urges us to recognize that the window of opportunity for change is not infinite; judgment can arrive unexpectedly, when one least anticipates it. The phrase "without remedy" highlights the critical urgency of turning away from wickedness and embracing repentance before it is too late. It underscores that while God is merciful and gracious, there is a point of no return for those who stubbornly harden their hearts against His truth. This verse compels us to live with a keen awareness of God's moral order, understanding that deliberate and unrepentant choices against His ways will inevitably lead to ruin, and it motivates us to seek His wisdom and mercy while the opportunity remains.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly or overtly resisting God's wisdom, and what "calamity" might I be inviting?**
* **How does the "suddenly" in this verse challenge my perception of time and the urgency of spiritual decisions?**
* **What does "without remedy" imply about the finality of certain spiritual consequences, and how does this motivate me to live differently today?**
* **How can I apply the warning of this verse to encourage others towards a path of righteousness with both grace and truth?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" in this verse, and what kind of wickedness leads to such a severe outcome?**

Answer: The "he" in Proverbs 6:15 refers to the "worthless person, a wicked man" described in [Proverbs 6:12-14](/proverbs/6-12 "Proverbs 6:12-14 - Description of the Wicked Man"). This individual is characterized by deceitful speech ("froward mouth"), malicious intent ("deviseth mischief continually"), and actions that sow discord and rebellion. The wickedness is not merely isolated acts but a persistent, ingrained character of deliberate opposition to truth, justice, and community well-being, often involving treachery, lies, and a disregard for moral boundaries. It's a pattern of life that actively works against the principles of wisdom and righteousness that God has established.

**Does "without remedy" mean that there is no hope for anyone who has sinned?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Proverbs, "without remedy" refers to the irreversible consequence of a life of *persistent, unrepentant* wickedness. It speaks to a final, definitive judgment for those who continually harden their hearts against wisdom and correction, reaching a point where their destruction is complete and cannot be undone by human means. However, the broader biblical narrative, especially the New Testament, reveals that for those who repent and turn to God, there *is* a remedy: the grace and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a warning against reaching that point of no return through stubborn rebellion, not as a statement that God's mercy is universally unavailable to all who have sinned.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 6:15, with its stark warning of sudden, irremediable calamity for the wicked, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy, but in the profound theological truths revealed through Jesus. While the verse speaks of the wicked facing judgment, Christ Himself became the "remedy" for humanity's sin, taking upon Himself the very "calamity" that we deserved. The breaking "without remedy" that awaits the unrepentant sinner was, in a profound sense, experienced by Christ on the cross, where He was "broken for our iniquities" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). He, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, for those who believe, the "calamity" of sin's judgment has been averted, and the "remedy" of eternal life and reconciliation with God has been provided through His sacrifice ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). For those who reject this divine remedy, however, the warning of Proverbs 6:15 remains chillingly true, as the ultimate judgment for unbelief will be sudden and without recourse, a truth echoed in New Testament warnings about the [sudden coming of the Lord for judgment](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Sudden Destruction").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 19:11

And shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as [one] breaketh a potter's vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury [them] in Tophet, till [there be] no place to bury.

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

1 Thessalonians 5:3

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

Isaiah 30:13

Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

Isaiah 30:14

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water [withal] out of the pit.

Proverbs 1:27

When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

Psalms 73:18

Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.