Proverbs 3:27-28 - Good Simplified
Yesterday, we looked at "Sin Simplified," that "To the one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him (or her!) it is sin." (James 4:17, NASB)
Today, let's look at a positive corollary to that. Proverbs 3:27-28 (New Living Translation) describes "doing good" in practical, straightforward terms:
“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, 'Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.'”
We aren't told "who deserves it." The context points to a neighbor. "Doing good" cannot be stated more simply: help out your neighbor when it's in your power to do so. The word "help" is intentionally open ended. Even the word "neighbor" appears ambiguous.
A neighbor might be someone who actually lives in our neighborhood. It can apply to someone we serve through our work. A stranger we meet on a sidewalk or street. Friends and family members. Maybe it's someone in another state or another country that we'll never meet.
Jesus' own definition of "neighbor" included people outside our religious circles, our social status, our ethnic background, and our personal safety net (Luke 10:25-37). Regardless, instead of waiting, we should "do good" to our neighbor immediately. It's the "right thing to do."
Father in heaven, Help us to see opportunities right in front of us, day in and day out. Give us eyes to also see the good to be done beyond our immediate sphere of influence. Helps us to do so in a way that you get all the credit for it*... since you are the Giver of all Good Gifts**. In Jesus' name, Amen.
* Matthew 5:16
** James 1:17
Today, let's look at a positive corollary to that. Proverbs 3:27-28 (New Living Translation) describes "doing good" in practical, straightforward terms:
“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, 'Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.'”
We aren't told "who deserves it." The context points to a neighbor. "Doing good" cannot be stated more simply: help out your neighbor when it's in your power to do so. The word "help" is intentionally open ended. Even the word "neighbor" appears ambiguous.
A neighbor might be someone who actually lives in our neighborhood. It can apply to someone we serve through our work. A stranger we meet on a sidewalk or street. Friends and family members. Maybe it's someone in another state or another country that we'll never meet.
Jesus' own definition of "neighbor" included people outside our religious circles, our social status, our ethnic background, and our personal safety net (Luke 10:25-37). Regardless, instead of waiting, we should "do good" to our neighbor immediately. It's the "right thing to do."
* Matthew 5:16
** James 1:17
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