Proverbs 3:28

Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

Say {H559} not unto thy neighbour {H7453}, Go {H3212}, and come again {H7725}, and to morrow {H4279} I will give {H5414}; when thou hast {H3426} it by thee.

Don't tell your neighbor, "Go away! Come another time; I'll give it to you tomorrow," when you have it now.

Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.

Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give; When thou hast it by thee.

Proverbs 3:28 in the King James Version (KJV) offers a sharp piece of wisdom concerning integrity and promptness in dealing with one's neighbor. It states, "Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee."

Context

This verse is part of a broader section in Proverbs Chapter 3 (verses 27-35) that outlines practical ethical conduct towards others. The preceding verse, Proverbs 3:27, commands, "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it." Proverbs 3:28 serves as a specific application of this general principle, emphasizing not just the act of giving but also the timing of it. The book of Proverbs frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, and here, delaying help when one is capable of providing it immediately is presented as an unwise and unrighteous act.

Key Themes

  • Prompt Generosity: The primary message is to act immediately when you have the means to help. It condemns procrastination in acts of kindness or fulfilling obligations.
  • Integrity and Honesty: Delaying help when you are able to give it now can be seen as deceitful or lacking in sincerity. It undermines trust and suggests a lack of true concern for the neighbor's need. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on speaking truth and living authentically.
  • Neighborly Responsibility: The verse highlights a fundamental aspect of loving one's neighbor. True compassion doesn't defer action but seeks to meet needs expeditiously. This echoes the broader biblical commandment to "love thy neighbour as thyself".
  • Avoiding Procrastination: While not exclusively about procrastination, this verse specifically targets the delay in fulfilling a promise or providing aid when the resources are readily available.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "when thou hast it by thee" translates the Hebrew ki yesh immaḵ (כִּי יֵשׁ עִמָּךְ), which literally means "when it is with you" or "when you possess it." This emphasizes the immediate availability of the requested item or assistance. The KJV's rendering perfectly captures the nuance: the condemnation is not for inability to give, but for unwillingness to give now when one has the capacity. The term "neighbour" (רֵעַ, reaʿ) in Hebrew refers broadly to anyone with whom one interacts, not just the person living next door, highlighting a universal principle of human interaction.

Practical Application

Proverbs 3:28 provides practical guidance for daily living and ethical conduct. It challenges believers to:

  • Be Attentive to Needs: Cultivate an awareness of the needs of those around you.
  • Act Decisively: When an opportunity arises to help someone and you possess the means, do not defer. This could apply to financial assistance, returning a borrowed item, offering a needed favor, or fulfilling a promise.
  • Build Trust: Promptness and integrity in fulfilling obligations build strong, trustworthy relationships within the community and reflect a genuine spirit of generosity.
  • Reflect God's Character: God is not one to delay His promises or withhold good from His children (Psalm 84:11). Our prompt generosity can be a reflection of His own nature.

Reflection

This verse encourages us to examine our hearts regarding our willingness to give and to serve. It's a reminder that true kindness is not just about the act itself, but also about the spirit and timeliness with which it is performed. Delaying help when it is within our power can be just as harmful as withholding it entirely, potentially causing unnecessary distress or showing a lack of genuine care. The wisdom of Proverbs 3:28 calls us to be immediate, honest, and truly compassionate in our interactions, fostering a community built on trust and mutual support, echoing the principle that "God loveth a cheerful giver", implying a giver who does so readily and without hesitation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 19:13

    Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob [him]: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.

  • Deuteronomy 24:12

    And if the man [be] poor, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge:

  • Deuteronomy 24:15

    At his day thou shalt give [him] his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he [is] poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:11

    Now therefore perform the doing [of it]; that as [there was] a readiness to will, so [there may be] a performance also out of that which ye have.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

  • 1 Timothy 6:18

    That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

  • 2 Corinthians 9:3

    Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back