Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you. Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake. Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. Proverbs 3:27-30
These verses give clear instructions on how wisdom is to be put into action. Simple. Concise. And to the point.
Do good. Don't delay. Be kind. Treat your neighbor well.
I remember growing up, we all knew our neighbors. We spent time riding bikes, and playing in the neighborhood. We knew how lived in each home and they knew us (so we had to be good since they'd tell our parents, lol).
It's harder to get to know our neighbors today. No one wants to be friendly, because they might be asked to do something. Everyone wants to stay to themselves and "mind their own business".
Do not withhold good from whom it is due—we all can show kindness to others. Sometimes it's a "Good morning", or a wave. Other times it's helping out in bigger ways—maybe moving a trash can or helping mow, or weed..... the list really is endless.
We often will help those living on the other side of the World, through a donation (which isn't bad), but there is no personal connection. Perhaps we all need to take time to meet our neighbors and show some true kindness.
If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then it should show forth in my actions. Proverbs 3:27-30 list some very specific ways to put wisdom into practice. Do good. Don't delay. Be kind. Treat your neighbor well. Simple clear instructions.
