Proverbs 3:27-29, On Being a Good Neighbour
February 5, Proverbs 3:27-29
Luke 10:29-37; 2 Cor. 8:10; 9:7 “Ready to every good work” (Tit. 3:1)
On Being a Good Neighbour
In spite of all the rhetoric, there is still little neighbourliness in this sin-cursed world, but, tragically, lots of hatred and division. This touches a sensitive but practical nerve. How should a believer act toward a neighbour, and who is that neighbour? This is the proclamation of the Good Samaritan parable, which is still timely for us (Jas. 2:14-17). Note how the verses 27-31 all begin Do not (Heb.)!
- The Candidates: Withhold not good from them to whom it is due (v.27). To whom do we owe help? Answer: Them to whom it is due, meaning, all to whom we are accountable in some way. The Hebrew literally is: Don’t withhold good from its lords. What does that mean? The margin suggests for lords, the owners thereof. The word is baal. It means ruler, master, owner, husband (12:4; Isa. 54:5), rival gods (Isa. 26:13), also citizens (baalim – Josh. 24:11). All of these words suggest a special relationship exists between the parties. Perhaps covenant-citizen is the primary candidate for thy neighbour.
- The Conditions: To whom it is due. Is this neighbour simply asking for what is his own, his due? Is this about honesty, paying just debts, wages owed, today not later. Is it also about charity, compassion? We must not only give our neighbour his due, but do so promptly. Does our delay cover apathy or display our power over the unfortunate? Don’t put it off while the need exists, and it is within your power to help. Procrastination is not only the thief of time; it is the first step in avoiding responsibility. Our wealth may be taken from us, or we may be taken from our wealth. A little help given when it is needed is better than a lot too late. Certainly it will cost you, but when the cause is just, to withhold the good that is due will bring you more cost in the long run. “He gives twice who gives speedily,” puts it well. Do it today; you may not be able to do it tomorrow!
- The Covenants: Say not to thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee (v.28). Is there another law at work here, the law of love among brethren (Act.4:34-35; Gal. 6:10)? The Law required Hebrews to help a brother who, though no fault of his own, had fallen on hard times. Under the Old Covenant they were God’s entrusted stewards, as Christians are now under the New. His Covenant children should use God’s gifts for His glory. They [and we] only held wealth in trust. Deferral of duty is sin. It rebels against your covenant obligations and adversely affects your neighbour. When in your power to do is proof of your keeping covenant-faith with your neighbour, and most of all, with your God. Yet, Pay me what thou owest, however just the demand, must also be handled with covenant-compassion (Mt. 18:23-35). It is, after all, a two-way street. It should hurt when we cease to give! Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required (Lk. 12:48).
Thought: “The merciful fall into the arms of mercy” (J.P. Lange).
Prayer: O Lord, give me a merciful heart, likeness to Thine.