2-6-07 Proverbs 3:27, 28

Proverbs 3:27, 28 (KJ21)
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, "Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give," when thou hast it with thee.

Proverbs 3:27, 28 (NAS)
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it. 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 (NIVUS)
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow"— when you now have it with you.

Proverbs 3:27, 28 (NLT)
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you."

Often as punishment, parents will take away certain privileges from their children. It is usually something that the child likes and enjoys. In this case, it is appropriate discipline, since parents are responsible for their children. However, if a sibling tries to enforce the same sort of punishment that would be totally inappropriate, since brothers and sisters do not have that authority over each other.

In the body of Christ, God's family, you may see certain people who try to usurp authority that they do not have. In fact, the word of God encourages you to go out of your way to be good and kind to your brothers and sisters in Christ. If you are able to be good, showing grace and kindness to another, then you are not to withhold or deny these things. In fact, showing favor with sweetness and pleasantness is what you owe them; it is their due.

The Lord God has given power to your hands to do good to benefit others. In this you are like your Heavenly Father, for He loves to bless His children. Your hand should be an open giving one and not a closed fist. If you are able to give and bestow something on a friend, associate, or companion, you should not tell them to go away and to come back on the morrow. Do not procrastinate in adding to another's life. When you do good to others, you will find that you will have everything that you need.