All the events and even people in the Bible possess one or several symbolic meanings, which help us to reflect on their significance for our world and often for our own individual lives. Thus Hananiah promised a better and brighter future for the people of Israel. As a sign of his confidence in his own prophecy, he took the wooden yoke off Jeremiah's neck and broke it to symbolize that better future. Jeremiah was wearing the yoke in obedience to the word of the Lord. The Lord assured Jeremiah that Hananiah's action would only bring greater suffering. Thus God says he would allow Judah's pride to rot and the people would become good for nothing.

Our political leaders have often made decisions backed up by promises which have generally come to nothing and their actions have caused even greater suffering, for these leaders did not have either the wisdom or the humility to reflect on the possible and probable consequences of their activity.

As individuals, we are sometimes no better: we do not take the time to reflect on the possible consequences of our actions but only look to the immediate relief that comes.