Proverbs 3:28

28 Suppose you have something to give. Don't say to your neighbor, "Come back later. I'll give it to you tomorrow."

Proverbs 3:28 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 3:28

Say not unto thy neighbour
Either to whom thou art indebted, and who comes for the payment of a just debt; or to any poor and indigent person that applies for alms: go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give;
go home, and come tomorrow, and I will pay thee what I owe thee; or do not trouble me now, come another time, and perhaps I may relieve thy wants: this should not be said, because a man cannot be sure of tomorrow that he shall ever see it; nor may it be in the power of his hands, should he live unto the morrow, to do as he promises; his substance may be taken from him; and besides, in the mean time, the poor object may perish for want of relief; when thou hast it by thee;
money to pay thy debts with, or to give alms to the poor; and therefore should give readily and at once, and not make any excuses and delays; "bis dat, qui cito dat". Some make this to be part of the covetous man's words, saying, "and there is with thee"; or thou hast enough, thou hast no need to ask of me; thou hast what thou askest; thou art not in want; thou art richer than I; but the other sense is best. The Septuagint and Arabic versions add,

``for thou knowest not what the day following may bring forth;''
or may happen on it.

Proverbs 3:28 In-Context

26 The LORD is the one you will trust in. He will keep your feet from being caught in a trap.
27 Don't hold back good from those who are worthy of it. Don't hold it back when you can help.
28 Suppose you have something to give. Don't say to your neighbor, "Come back later. I'll give it to you tomorrow."
29 Don't plan to harm your neighbor. He lives near you and trusts you.
30 Don't bring charges against a man without any reason. He has not harmed you.
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