What Does ‘Do Not Withhold Good’ Mean in Proverbs 3:27?

2. Ask what is needed rather than assuming or adopting the attitude that “they’ll take what they get and be grateful.”

3. Point to Jesus but in a sensitive way. Preaching isn’t helpful when someone is hurting, but at some point, perhaps ask about Jesus or talk about how he helped you.

Don’t take over and make this all about you; be gentle and considerate. Leave some silence for this person to fill in his or her own time.

4. Pray and listen to God’s direction through the Holy Spirit or the leading of the other person. If you’re concerned about this interaction, ask others to be praying too.

5. Look for joy in this opportunity. You are serving your Savior while you assist someone else. “Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

Isn’t that an amazing thought? What could be better than serving Jesus? Moreover, there could be a chance here (if your neighbor doesn’t have a saving relationship with Jesus) to plant a seed or water a seed someone else planted.

But this is a verse from the Old Testament you might argue. The whole Bible is about Jesus, and this verse is still for you if you love the Lord. Moreover, we can cross-reference to the New Testament, citing Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus singled out “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” and “the merciful, for they shall receive mercy,” not to mention “the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:6-8).

People who withhold mercy, care nothing for those who suffer injustice, and do not act out of devotion to Jesus, are not blessed. They don’t experience peace with God, which is closeness and comfort.

I think a lot of people today believe they are good people because they don’t hurt others. They pay their taxes, don’t hit their spouses, and never park in the disabled parking bay (unless they are disabled).

In fact, I’ve met lots of people who say they are Christians, but they don’t live for Christ and don’t really do anything for other people, not unless that person is a close friend or family or there’s something in it for them. These are men and women who aren’t interested in their Bibles or in knowing God.

But the transformative work of Christ on the hearts of real believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit, causes them to see the pain of others in a new way. They want to help because they are moved by human suffering.

They yearn to serve Jesus by serving others. There might still be a battle with pride and feeling too tired to help or wanting at least a “thank you,” but that’s a human battle the Lord can and will help us with if we ask him to.

Since “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), being near to our neighbors when they need help enables us to be near to God. That is the bonus of a heart that wants to help and will not withhold good.

A genuine love for him will always lead us to where his heart is, and you never know who will see Christ reflected in your face and in your actions as you choose to do good and genuinely love to do it.

Lord, help us to recognize the needs around us, and please empower us to help in ways that serve others and glorify you. Amen.

For further reading:

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Why Should We Not Be Weary in Doing Good?

Is Being a ‘Good Christian’ Biblical?

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Eva-Katalin

Candice Lucey is a freelance writer from British Columbia, Canada, where she lives with her family. Find out more about her here.