Day 192: Proverbs 1, 2 and 3

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act (Proverbs 3:27).

The NIV 1984 translation of this verse reads: Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. That makes it sound like we should first consider whether or not the person in need is worthy of our help but this is not in keeping with other passages we’ve considered (Day 24: Exodus 23:5 or Day 58: Deuteronomy 22:1).

Jesus said: Do to others what you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12). There were lots of similar teachings from Jewish rabbis and even from other religions, but they were always posed in the negative. Rabbi Hillel said: “What is hateful to yourself, do to no other.” Confucius put it like this: “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” In Greece, Epictetus stated: “What you avoid suffering yourselves, seek not to inflict upon others” [7].

William Barclay points out that there is a big difference between withholding harm and doing good. The priest and the Levite did no harm to the mugging victim on the Jericho road, but they didn’t help him either. Only the Samaritan offered first aid, transported him to the hospital and paid his bill (Luke 10:25-37).

Anyone can refrain from doing wrong to others, but to go out of our way to help someone? That’s the difference that Christ brings to our lives and our world.

TODAY’S MEDITATION

Who needs your help this week? Do they deserve it? What if God asked that question before accepting you?