Proverbs 3:28

28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.

Proverbs 3:28 in Other Translations

28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"--when you have it with you.

28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

28 Don't tell your neighbor, "Maybe some other time," or, "Try me tomorrow," when the money's right there in your pocket.

28 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go away! Come back later. I'll give it tomorrow"-when it is there with you.

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 at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.

29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.

30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.

Cross References

• 1. Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:15; Luke 10:25-37