Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:27

What does Proverbs 3:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:27 means

This verse commands the active practice of generosity and justice: 'Withhold not good from them to whom it is due' implies fulfilling obligations, but also extending kindness and help to those in need, especially when one has the immediate ability to do so. It is a call to proactive benevolence, not delaying assistance when it is within one's power and rightful for another to receive, embodying practical love for neighbor.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Do not keep back good from those who have a right to it, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Withhold not good from its owners, When thy hand <FI>is<Fi> toward God to do <FI>it<Fi> .

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Do not withhold him from doing good, who is able: if thou art able, do good thyself also.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it.

Context

Shifting gears from personal security, this verse initiates a new section focusing on ethical conduct and social responsibility. It moves from passive reception of God's blessings to active fulfillment of one's duties to others. This command sets the stage for specific instructions on how to interact justly and generously with one's neighbors, emphasizing a practical outworking of wisdom in community life, directly applying the principle of doing good.

v.26For Jehovah will be thy confidence, And will keep thy foot from being taken.

v.27This passage

v.28Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give; When thou hast it by thee.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 5:4

    Behold, the hire of the laborers who mowed your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth out: and the cries of them that reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.

  • Genesis 31:29

    It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take heed to thyself that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

  • Galatians 6:10

    So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

  • James 2:15

    If a brother or sister be naked and in lack of daily food,

  • Romans 13:7

    Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

  • Micah 2:1

    Woe to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

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