Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:28

What does Proverbs 3:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:28 means

This verse condemns procrastination and selfishness in helping one's neighbor. It instructs against telling someone in need to 'Go, and come again, and to-morrow I will give' when the means to help are available immediately. This highlights the importance of timely generosity and compassion, recognizing that delaying aid when able to provide it is a form of unkindness and contradicts the spirit of wisdom. It emphasizes prompt, selfless action.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Say not to your neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when you have it by you at the time.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Say not thou to thy friend, `Go, and return, and to-morrow I give,' And substance with thee.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Say not to thy friend: Go, and come again: and to morrow I will give to thee: when thou canst give at present.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

Building upon the command to not withhold good, this verse provides a specific example of *how* one might fail in that duty, by procrastinating aid to a neighbor. It follows verse 27 by giving a concrete illustration of what it means to act justly and generously *without delay*. This pointed instruction serves to make the previous general command more actionable and convicting, moving from principle to practical application in everyday interactions.

v.27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it.

v.28This passage

v.29Devise not evil against thy neighbor, Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.

Cross references

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

  • Ecclesiastes 11:6

    In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

  • Leviticus 19:13

    Thou shalt not oppress thy neighbor, nor rob him: the wages of a hired servant shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:3

    But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared:

  • Deuteronomy 24:12

    And if he be a poor man, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge;

  • 1 Timothy 6:18

    that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

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