Do Not Withhold Good
Let’s turn to the book of Proverbs this week. It’s a book filled with wisdom and guidance as we walk the paths of life, and it covers all sorts of topics in its 31 chapters.
We’re going to go to chapter 3 where Solomon gives us a few “do nots” to consider. Now, the Christian life is not about simply following lists of dos and donts – however, when these lists do appear in the Bible they are worth looking at carefully, because they provide practical help for living the Christian life.
Proverbs 3:27 says this: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” That’s a pretty tough one to swallow isn’t it? I think we’ve all fallen short on this – withholding good when it is in our power to act and provide help.
Doing Good Always
Now, some people accuse God of falling short in this area. Some would say “it’s in God’s power to heal this world and stop evil. But he allows evil – he allows rape and abuse and cancer and corruption and he doesn’t do a thing!” But friends, God made us with free will. And with that came the danger that some would use it for evil. God provided the Law to show us good from evil, and then He provided a Saviour and His Spirit to save us from the power of evil. God didn’t withhold good – He’s given us chance after chance to turn to him and find his goodness poured out – but many people refuse His offer and continue in evil.
Those of us who have discovered God’s goodness and love are called, then, to do good in His name. To not withhold good when we can do something. In fact Paul said something similar to the early Christians in his letter to the Galatians, he said “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10 NIV). So if you have the opportunity to do good to anybody – and especially those in your church family who might be in need – do it!
Now, the Proverb says that we mustn’t “withhold good from those to whom it is due”. So in particular, we must be fair and give where reward has been earned. We must always fairly give what we have promised, and not be unfaithful to our word.
Seize Good Opportunities
But in a wider sense, this Proverb reminds us to look for opportunities to do good and do them. I ask you, how might this happen in your day today? Is there somebody in your circle needing a word of encouragement which you have the power to provide? Is there somebody needing some assistance that you can bring? Perhaps you might even consider giving out of your abundance to somebody who is in desperate need?
Whatever it might be, let these words ring in your ears today: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Remember, it is not just sins that we commit that pull us away from God, but it is also sins of omission – when we omit or don’t do good things we are called to do.
Look for opportunities to do good today, and when they come your way, don’t withhold good when you have the power to act.
