What does Proverbs 6:15 mean?

Solomon assures his son worthless, wicked people (Proverbs 6:12–14) cannot go on forever in their attempts to deceive and disrupt others. God takes notice of those evil thoughts and actions, and eventually brings judgment. This judgment will be sudden and decisive. His punishment will be full and irreversible. In at least one sense, this is guaranteed for all people; those who reject God in this life will suffer eternal destruction in the next (Revelation 22:14–15). Even in mortal life, sins like deception put a person at risk for catastrophic consequences.

When Paul mentions Alexander the coppersmith as having caused him so much trouble, he predicts, "The Lord will repay him according to his deeds" (2 Timothy 4:14). During Israel's desert wanderings, Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. He assembled many Israelites in opposition to Moses and Aaron, but his attempt to sow discord and depose Moses and Aaron stirred up the Lord's anger. He told Moses and Aaron, "Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment" (Numbers 16:21). Before long, the earth split open and swallowed the rebels, their households, all the people who belonged to Korah, and all their goods (Numbers 16:32). They went down alive to sheol and the earth closed over them (Numbers 16:33). Those who cause trouble among God's people are destined to be the targets of reciprocal trouble.