WISDOM FROM GOD – “DO NOT WITHHOLD GOOD…”

As we continue our study of Proverbs chapter three, let us look at Proverbs 3:27-28 for our meditation this morning.
– “27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you.” – Proverbs 3:27-28

The LORD, speaking through Solomon, gives us some very practical and everyday ways in which we are to apply this godly wisdom that is discussed in the previous verses of Proverbs chapter three. This is the application part of the godly wisdom. Here is what is listed for our DOING…
– 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

The above points which the LORD is asking from His children, are not some strange and out of the way things. They are easy to understand. They are expected to be applied and obeyed in practice. This is how the children of God are expected to live. We as Christians are called to live thus because, our Father in heaven, is righteous, just and holy. We are called to be just like our Father, our LORD and our Redeemer, in all our thoughts, words and deeds.
– “3 For I proclaim the name of the LORD: Ascribe greatness to our God. 4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.” – Deuteronomy 32:3-4
– “14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.” – Psalm 89:14
– ” 18…For the LORD is a God of justice…” – Isaiah 30:18c
– “27 Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore. 28 For the LORD loves justice…” – Psalm 37:27-28a

God’s wisdom will lead us to uphold God’s moral law. All the law of God, that is commanded in the Bible is entirely based upon godly standards of morals, ethics and principles. For the LORD God Almighty, the God of all creation, the God our Redeemer, the LORD Jesus Christ, justice, fairness and equality are the foundation of all His ways, because they are His very character – as seen from the above verses.

HOW ABOUT US? Yes, dear brothers and sisters, “How about us?” Are we following our LORD in THEORY and PRACTICE? In FAITH and WORKS? I’m WORDS and DEEDS?
– “7 “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, 8 but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs…11 For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.'” – Deuteronomy 15:7-8,11
– “14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” – James 2:14-17
– “16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:16-18
– “7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:7-10
– “17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” – James 4:17
– “14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” – Hebrews 13:14-16
– “48…For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” – Luke 12:48b

Let us seek the LORD earnestly so that we be doers and not merely hearers – “22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” – James 1:22. Even so the LORD help us.