Withhold Not Good
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.”Proverbs 3:27–28 (KJV)
Sometimes we hold back help because we don’t want to look pushy. We know something that could help a coworker, a customer or a friend, but speaking up feels awkward, so we say nothing. It feels polite. It might just leave them stuck.
Proverbs doesn’t treat that as neutral. “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” If you have it, and they need it, give it.
James is even sharper: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” Holding back good isn’t always humility. Sometimes it is fear wearing humility’s clothes.
Who around you is struggling with something you could actually help with? Don’t make them come back tomorrow. Offer it today, with kindness and without pressure.
Read it yourself
Read Proverbs 3:27–31. List the things Solomon tells us not to do to our neighbour.
What good is in your power to do this week that you’ve been holding back?
Lord, don’t let fear keep me from doing good. Give me courage to help when it is in my hand to do it. Amen.