Proverbs 3:28

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:28 delivers a potent ethical injunction, urging believers to practice immediate generosity and unwavering integrity in their dealings with others. It specifically warns against deferring a good deed or fulfilling an obligation by promising to provide "tomorrow" when one possesses the immediate means to act "today." This proverb underscores the importance of promptness, honesty, and genuine compassion, presenting procrastination in acts of kindness or justice as a form of unrighteousness that undermines trust and neglects the immediate needs of one's neighbor, reflecting a profound call to practical, timely benevolence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:28 is strategically placed within a broader section of practical wisdom concerning interpersonal ethics, specifically [Proverbs 3:27-35](/proverbs/3 "Proverbs 3 - Wisdom's Exhortations for Righteous Living"). It directly follows the foundational command in [Proverbs 3:27](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27 - Do Not Withhold Good"), "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it." Our verse serves as a concrete illustration and specific application of this overarching principle, transitioning from a general prohibition against withholding good to a particular condemnation of delaying good when it is readily available. The subsequent verses in this section continue to elaborate on righteous conduct towards neighbors, including avoiding malicious plotting ([Proverbs 3:29](/proverbs/3-29 "Proverbs 3:29 - Do Not Devise Evil Against Your Neighbor")), refraining from contentious disputes without cause ([Proverbs 3:30](/proverbs/3-30 "Proverbs 3:30 - Do Not Contend Without Cause")), and rejecting envy of the violent ([Proverbs 3:31](/proverbs/3-31 "Proverbs 3:31 - Do Not Envy the Oppressor")). Thus, Proverbs 3:28 is an integral part of a larger, cohesive exhortation to live justly, charitably, and peacefully within the community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, community bonds were not merely social conventions but vital for survival and flourishing. Mutual support, collective responsibility, and the timely fulfillment of obligations were deeply embedded in the societal fabric. Delaying payment, assistance, or the return of a borrowed item when one had the immediate capacity to provide it could have severe and immediate negative consequences for the recipient, who might be in urgent need, perhaps even facing destitution. Such an action would not only cause hardship but also be perceived as a profound breach of trust, a lack of genuine concern, and a violation of covenantal loyalty, thereby damaging the essential social harmony. The emphasis on promptness reflects a culture where spoken promises carried immense weight and where the welfare of the community often depended on the timely fulfillment of individual responsibilities. The "neighbor" (`rêaʻ`) in this context refers broadly to anyone with whom one interacts, encompassing friends, associates, and even strangers, emphasizing a universal ethical standard of care and honesty.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes found throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Living"). Firstly, it strongly advocates for **integrity and honesty** in all dealings, implying that a promise to give "tomorrow" when one can give "today" is disingenuous, a form of deception that lacks true sincerity. This aligns with the broader biblical call for truthfulness and straightforwardness, as seen in passages like [Colossians 3:9](/colossians/3-9 "Colossians 3:9 - Do Not Lie to One Another"). Secondly, it champions **prompt generosity and active compassion**. Wisdom, in Proverbs, is not merely intellectual knowledge but practical righteousness that translates into timely and benevolent action. This proactive approach to meeting needs reflects the essence of loving one's neighbor, a principle foundational to biblical ethics, echoed by Jesus in [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"). Lastly, the verse subtly addresses the dangers of **procrastination**, particularly when it hinders acts of goodness or justice. It teaches that opportunities to do good are fleeting and should be seized immediately when the capacity exists, rather than deferred to an uncertain future, echoing the sentiment of [Ecclesiastes 9:10](/ecclesiastes/9-10 "Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Do What Your Hand Finds to Do").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) is used with great latitude, meaning "to say," "to speak," "to command," or "to utter." In Proverbs 3:28, it refers to the act of verbal communication, specifically the utterance of a deceptive or delaying promise. The prohibition is against the very declaration of "Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give," highlighting the culpability in the spoken word that defers immediate obligation and potentially causes distress to the one in need.
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is a highly versatile verb, meaning "to give," "to put," "to make," "to bestow," or "to grant." Here, it refers to the act of providing the requested item or assistance. The context implies a moral or social obligation to give, and the negative command ("I will not give") in the immediate sense is condemned when the capacity to give is present. The word underscores the action that is being withheld.
* **hast (Hebrew, _yêsh'_):** This word (H3426) signifies "entity," "there is," or "to exist." In the phrase "when thou hast it by thee" (Hebrew: `kî yêsh ‘immāḵ`), `yêsh` emphasizes the present existence or immediate availability of the requested item or aid. The entire phrase underscores the critical condition for the prohibition: the condemnation is not for inability, but for the deliberate choice to delay when the means are currently possessed and accessible, making the deferral a moral failing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say not unto thy neighbour,"**: This clause initiates the proverb with a direct, negative imperative, a common stylistic feature in wisdom literature. It establishes a specific prohibition concerning one's verbal interaction and ethical conduct within their community. The "neighbor" (`rêaʻ`) is a broad term, encompassing anyone with whom one has a relationship or interaction, thereby extending the scope of the command beyond literal next-door proximity to include any person whose need one encounters.
* **"Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give;"**: This clause presents the precise deceitful or uncharitable utterance being forbidden. It describes a scenario where an individual in need or awaiting fulfillment of an obligation is dismissed by the person who has the means to help, with a promise of future provision. The phrase "Go, and come again" implies a dismissal, an unnecessary burden, and a lack of empathy, forcing the needy individual to return. "To morrow I will give" is the deceptive or at least uncharitable promise, highlighting a disregard for the other person's immediate situation and the potential hardship caused by delay.
* **"when thou hast it by thee."**: This crucial qualifying clause provides the indispensable condition under which the preceding action is condemned. The Hebrew `kî yêsh ‘immāḵ` literally translates to "when it is with you" or "when you possess it." The KJV's "when thou hast it by thee" perfectly captures this nuance, emphasizing the immediate availability and accessibility of the requested item or assistance. The sin is not an inability to give, but rather the willful choice to delay giving *now* when one has the present capacity, thereby causing undue delay, inconvenience, and potential distress to the neighbor.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:28 primarily employs **Direct Instruction** and the **Imperative Mood**, characteristic of wisdom literature, to convey its ethical teaching with clarity and authority. The opening "Say not" is a clear, unambiguous command, directly prohibiting a specific behavior. There is an implicit **Antithesis** at play, contrasting the righteous act of prompt generosity with the unrighteous act of deferring help when one has the capacity. The phrase "when thou hast it by thee" functions as a **Conditional Clause**, precisely defining the circumstances under which the prohibition applies, thereby sharpening the moral indictment and emphasizing the culpability of the one who delays. The verse also utilizes **Conciseness** to deliver a potent moral lesson in a few impactful words, making it easily memorable and applicable, a hallmark of proverbial wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on practical righteousness, demonstrating that true wisdom is not merely theoretical knowledge but is expressed through concrete actions of love, integrity, and timely provision towards others. It underscores God's own character as one who is faithful to His promises and provides for His people promptly and abundantly, not withholding good when it is due. Our prompt generosity and integrity in fulfilling obligations reflect the divine nature and build a community founded on trust, mutual care, and the timely alleviation of suffering. This principle extends beyond material giving to include promptness in forgiveness, reconciliation, the return of borrowed items, and any act of kindness that is within our immediate power to perform. It speaks to the heart of what it means to truly love one's neighbor as oneself.

* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Open Your Hand to Your Brother")
* [James 2:15-16](/james/2-15-16 "James 2:15-16 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [Romans 13:7-8](/romans/13-7-8 "Romans 13:7-8 - Fulfill All Obligations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:28 serves as a profound challenge to our natural inclination towards procrastination, self-interest, and convenience. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of immediate responsiveness to the needs of others, particularly when we are capable of providing assistance without undue burden or personal sacrifice. This isn't just about financial transactions or material possessions; it applies to returning borrowed items promptly, fulfilling promises made, offering a helping hand to a struggling colleague, or even providing a listening ear and wise counsel when someone expresses a need for it. Delaying such actions, when the means are at hand, can cause unnecessary distress, erode trust in relationships, and diminish the impact and sincerity of our good deed. True compassion acts decisively, reflecting a heart that genuinely cares for the well-being of the neighbor and understands the urgency of their situation. By acting promptly and with integrity, we not only alleviate immediate burdens but also strengthen community bonds, foster a culture of trust, and bear witness to a God who is faithful, generous, and always timely in His provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I tend to delay fulfilling obligations or acts of kindness when I have the immediate capacity to act?**
* **How might my procrastination in helping others impact their trust in me, their immediate well-being, or the overall health of my relationships?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a greater sense of urgency and decisiveness in my generosity and integrity towards my neighbors?**
* **How does my willingness to give immediately reflect or misrepresent the character of God, who is always faithful and timely in His provision?**

### FAQ

**What does "when thou hast it by thee" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: "When thou hast it by thee" means when you currently possess the item, the resources, or the immediate ability to fulfill the request or obligation. The Hebrew phrase `kî yêsh ‘immāḵ` (כִּי יֵשׁ עִמָּךְ) literally translates to "when it is with you" or "when you possess it." This clause is critical because it clarifies that the proverb is not condemning an inability to give, but rather the deliberate choice to delay giving or helping when one has the present capacity to do so. It emphasizes that the sin lies in the willful deferral of a good deed, not in a genuine lack of means, thereby highlighting a moral failure of compassion and integrity.

**Is this verse only about money or material possessions?**

Answer: While the context often implies material assistance, the principle extends far beyond mere money or possessions. The "good" that should not be withheld can encompass various forms of aid, such as returning a borrowed item, fulfilling a promise, offering a needed favor, providing timely advice, or even giving emotional support and presence to someone in distress. The core message is about prompt and honest action in any situation where one has the capacity to alleviate a neighbor's need or fulfill an obligation, aligning with the broader command to love one's neighbor as oneself found in [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Great Commandment") and the call to do good to all people as we have opportunity in [Galatians 6:10](/galatians/6-10 "Galatians 6:10 - Do Good to All").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:28 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who embodies prompt and ultimate generosity. Unlike the neighbor who delays, Jesus did not say "Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give" when humanity was in desperate need of salvation. Instead, "when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")), acting decisively and immediately to provide what we could not provide for ourselves. The ultimate "good" that was "by Him" was His very life, which He laid down as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His sacrifice was not deferred but offered at the appointed time, demonstrating perfect integrity and boundless compassion, fulfilling the prophetic words of [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted"). Furthermore, Jesus consistently acted with immediate compassion towards those in need throughout His earthly ministry, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and forgiving sins without delay, as seen in countless Gospel accounts like the healing of the paralytic in [Mark 2:1-12](/mark/2-1 "Mark 2:1-12 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic") or the woman with the issue of blood in [Mark 5:25-34](/mark/5-25-34 "Mark 5:25-34 - Jesus Heals the Woman with the Hemorrhage"). His life and death serve as the supreme example of not withholding good when it is within one's power, but rather giving completely and without reservation, fulfilling the spirit of this proverb in the most profound way and calling His followers to emulate His immediate, self-sacrificial love, as enjoined in [1 John 3:17-18](/1_john/3-17-18 "1 John 3:17-18 - Love in Deed and Truth").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: