Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Because sentence against an evil work ... The reason why the wicked persevere in sin: God's delay in judgment (Matthew 24:48-51; 2 Peter 3:8-9). 'They see not the smoke of the pit, therefore they dread not the fire' (South). (Psalms 55:19.) Joab's escape from the punishment of his murder of Abner, so far from "leading him to repentance," as it ought (Romans 2:4), led him to the additional murder of Amasa. Hengstenberg, on account of the Hebrew accents, translates, 'Because a sentence is not pronounced, the work of wickedness hasteneth.' But the balance of the two parts of the verse is much better in the English version, which is, moreover, supported by the ancient versions-the Chaldaic, Septuagint, Vulgate, Arabic, and Syriac. Even the professing servants of God are tempted by the long impunity and prosperity, seemingly, of the wicked, to apostatize from God, and to seek prosperity by the same evil ways.