Proverbs 3:28

28 Say not to your neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when you have it by you at the time.

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 For the Lord will be your hope, and will keep your foot from being taken in the net.

27 Do not keep back good from those who have a right to it, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

28 Say not to your neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when you have it by you at the time.

29 Do not make evil designs against your neighbour, when he is living with you without fear.

30 Do not take up a cause at law against a man for nothing, if he has done you no wrong.