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 again, tomorrow I will give it”–when you have it with you.

Why are there so many verses about “giving to my neighbor” in the Bible? Maybe it’s because humans are prone to gather, horde, and accumulate the “stuff” of this world, and God knows that none of that will bring happiness or fulfillment. In fact, the stuff of the world is addicting and leads to loneliness, emptiness, and fear. And I believe that’s the goal of he-who-controls-the-“stuff”-of-this-world, isn’t it? Our complete destruction. Therefore, God calls us…over and over again…to “give” instead. He expects us to take care of our neighbor in need whether that’s a physical need or emotional need or maybe it’s just spending time with someone and listening to what’s on their heart. If we see a need, God calls us to take action. Besides, all that we have, all that we are is already a gift. And in the process of giving to someone, we are reminded of what is important in life. So, who is our neighbor? Is it literal neighbors? Family? Anyone we cross paths with? When Jesus was asked this very question as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, He responded with the story of the Good Samaritan. Bible scholars say the setting of this road between Jerusalem and Jericho was a well-known highway of robbery and treachery. Not a road that one walked alone, but this man in the story did and it illustrates Jesus’s point clearly. The man was attacked and left for dead. A Jewish priest came by and did not help. Likewise, the Levite walked by and did not help. When Jesus told this story, listeners would clearly know that the Levite and the priest were “neighbors” of the hurt man, of the same culture and belief system. They were fellow Jews, and yet, they walked on by. The one who did stop was a despised and despicable Samaritan man. He saw the Jewish man in need and went above and beyond to help. So, according to Jesus’s story, our “neighbor” is the person in need right in front of us regardless of culture, race, status, or even attitude. Jesus says if we see someone in need, we need to help. We don’t say, “maybe tomorrow” or “when it’s not raining” or “when I feel better about it.” If we all took care of the needs that cross our paths timely and with love, the world would be a better place. The phrase “to whom it is due” can sometimes hang us up, can’t it? Meaning- give to those who are trying to take care of themselves or to those who say please and act grateful or to those who truly need help (we get to decide if they do or not)? No, that is not what Solomon is saying here and it’s not what Jesus taught in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In fact, the Levite and the priest that walked on by could’ve been thinking, “that’s what ya get for walking down this road alone!” But, Jesus teaches us otherwise. The New Living Translation translates “to whom it is due” as “those who deserve it.” The Hebrew words Solomon used must be hard to translate into English, which is why it is good to read in more than one Bible translation. The Good News Bible says, “to those who need it.” The Complete Jewish Bible says, “someone entitled to it.” But Proverbs 3:27-28 doesn’t mean “someone who, you believe, earned it.” It means…whoever crosses your path in need, just like the parable of the Good Samaritan. It’s hard to help people who, in our eyes, don’t deserve it, haven’t tried hard enough, continue to make mistakes, whatever. It is hard. But that kind of love mirrors God’s love for us. What if we had to deserve or work hard enough for God to love us? What if God’s love was dependent upon our attitude? Let that simmer a bit. So, how is this “wisdom?” Because it’s also God’s greatest commandment! I believe the commandment to love our neighbor is “wisdom” for two reasons: First, because we are reminded of what is important in this life…to love God and to love others, not to gather the “stuff” of this world. And second, because it is truly how God loves us. He gives freely. He loves freely. He doesn’t only love us on our good days. He doesn’t only love us when we are grateful, and He wants us to learn to love like He does. I believe these things are in the Bible for us to keep our heads on straight and not get distracted by stuff. Pretty simple message here. When you owe debt, and you can pay it, you should. However, there’s more to it than that. It can also be interpreted as you should give good things to those who need it, when you are able to do so. We are entering the season of giving. And there are other debts…charitable debts. When God brings a person into your life with legitimate needs, and you have the ability to help them, then it is your responsibility to help them. God created that debt for you and expects payment to them. It does not mean that you must seek out the needy, God will make sure that they cross your path. And when that time comes, don’t hesitate. Our possessions are borrowed property from God. When He asks you to give; it’s on you to give His property back.