Our lives are filled with responsibilities, obligations, and commitments. It is often difficult to find time to do everything that we need to do. Because of this, it’s easy to put off what we simply don’t want to do. Or we may have good intentions about doing something, but we fail to do it because we are distracted by things that seem to be more urgent.

We need to be careful that we do not leave undone those things that we ought to do – especially when it comes to our treatment of others. The wise man said, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you” (Proverbs 3:27-28).

When he described “good…to whom it is due,” he was not referring to benevolence or some aid we might give to someone in need. That is certainly good to do, but this is something different. Instead, this is about what we owe someone. It implies an arrangement made by mutual agreement.

By failing to keep our end of an agreement, we are showing ourselves to be untrustworthy, not dependable, and that we do not value the other person’s time, effort, or investments. Even if it is unintentional, we are claiming that our time, effort, and investments are more important than theirs.

So don’t put off doing good. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Let us keep our word and show that we value others.

-Daily Bible Notes
(Note from today’s Bible reading: Proverbs 3:27-28)

If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them (Ecclesiastes 5:8).

It grieves us when we witness oppression and violence, but it should not surprise and astonish us. Justice and righteousness continue to be perverted in this country and around the world. Indeed, there is nothing new under the sun (Eccl. 1:9).

While acknowledging these wrongs, Solomon instructs us to remember that those in authority are also under higher power (John 19:10-11; Rom. 13:1). This reality ought to be a check against harassment and injustice, but even that is not always the case. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (Prov. 29:2).

What are we to do in the face of oppression and violence?

(1) Remember that God is sovereign and holds the unrighteous accountable for their sins (2 Cor. 5:10). Jesus called out the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees who “devour widows’ houses” while pretending to be pious with long prayers (Matt. 23:14). God will bring justice to bear on His day of judgment (Acts 17:30-31; Rom. 2:4-11).

(2) Keep our faith in God instead of putting it in human beings (Jer. 17:5). God will not fail the righteous (Heb. 13:5-6). Therefore, accept suffering for righteousness’ sake (1 Pet. 3:13-14).

(3) We can go about our daily business (Eccl. 5:18-20). Honest labor is God’s gift that prevents us from being overburdened with anxiety over life’s troubles (Eccl. 5:20). Daily labor to provide for ourselves and our families brings joy and contentment in the face of life’s injustices.

(4) Remember to pray (1 Thess. 4:11-12; 1 Tim. 2:1-2). Prayer remains effective from the righteous (James 5:16).

(5) We can aid those harmed by others (Luke 10:29-37). Be neighborly and help one another instead of being suspicious and divisive.

-Adapted from Sword Tips #2304 

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