• Ecclesiastes 8:11-13
    Because the 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. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.
     
  • Matthew 24:48-51
    But if that evil servant says in his heart, "My master is delaying his coming," and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
     
  • Exodus 32:1
    Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, "Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him."
     
  • 2 Peter 3:3-4
    knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."
     
  • Exodus 32:6
    Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
     
  • Psalm 50:21
    These things you have done, and I kept silent;
    You thought that I was altogether like you;
    But I will rebuke you,
    And set them in order before your eyes.
     
  • Matthew 25:2-5
    Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Delay, Effects of


Resources

Why Is Hope Delayed?

CGG Weekly by John W. Ritenbaugh

In times of cultural breakdown and looming terror, the delay of God's promises can weigh heavily on the heart. Proverbs 13:12 warns that hope deferred makes the heart sick, and a frustrated, anxious spirit can grow weary from constant discouragement amid mankind's violence and greed. Revelation 6:10 echoes this anguish, as …


In What Way Have We Wearied Him?

CGG Weekly by Martin G. Collins

The delay in the execution of penalties for evil actions often emboldens individuals to persist in wrongdoing. As King Solomon wisely noted, because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, the heart of the sons of men is fully set to do evil. Though a sinner may commit evil repeatedly and their days are …


Where Is the Promise of His Coming?

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As the first century drew to a close, some in the church began to question why Jesus Christ had not yet returned to establish His Kingdom. Many listened to cynics and mockers, leading to a crisis of faith. In our day, scoffers both inside and outside the church spread ideas that the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings is far …


Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The delay of the master's return requires servants to remain constantly vigilant so that the master could enter the house immediately upon arriving at home. If the master's return is late at night or very early in the morning, the alertness of the servants is even more commendable. The unwise servant assumes that there is plenty …


Time to Repent (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

God gives His people time to repent while actively working to shape them into His image, creating situations ranging from smitten consciences to large-scale calamities that direct them toward the right path. He sent repeated prophetic messengers to ancient Israel from Moses through the judges, the exile, and beyond, ensuring the …


Time to Repent (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

God's general approach toward humanity involves extending time for repentance even though He is under no obligation to do so, as illustrated by His statement to the Thyatiran congregation that He gave opportunity for repentance from sexual immorality though it went unheeded. Exceptions exist where judgment follows sin …


Malachi's Appeal to Backsliders (Part Four)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Delay leads people to believe that judgment and fulfillment of God's word are far off. This belief causes neglect of overcoming sin and postponement of repentance. As a result the immoral continue in their ways while the apparently righteous suffer without immediate relief. The attitude produces complaints that it is useless to …


Little Compromises

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid

The delay in experiencing the consequences of compromise with God's laws and principles produces a gradual but inexorable separation from Him. Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. This absence of immediate adverse results encourages …



For more resources, please see the library topic for Delay, Effects of