Proverbs 3:27 -- "Do not withhold good from whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."
The Proverb that we are focusing on today is one that really speaks to me. It is a proverbial statement, but it is also a command. If we have the power to do what is good, we should do it. There really is no excuse.
There are two different ways at least to think about good for whom it is due. One way to look at this is to think about those who are in need. There are people that are hungry, need clothing and those who need shelter as well as medical care. If we have the resources to help, we need to do that.
There is another way to think about the phrase. There are people who have done good things in this world. They have acted nobly in the pursuit of what is right and in what will make this world a better place. These individuals should be recognized for the good that they have done in our world. It always distresses me that sports figures and Hollywood stars get so many accolades while great scientists who have discovered cures that have saved millions of lives are barely known by the general public.
In this series, I've tried when I can to tie these Proverbs into the New Testament. In I John 3:17 we read, "If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?" James tells us in James 1 that part of practicing pure religion is to visit the widows and orphans in their affliction." Both of these passages tell the Christian that it is his or her duty to help those who are in need. If we have the power to act, then we must act in the name of Jesus.
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