Proverbs 3:27 kjv

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

Proverbs 3:27 nkjv

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

Proverbs 3:27 niv

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

Proverbs 3:27 esv

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

Proverbs 3:27 nlt

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it's in your power to help them.

Proverbs 3 verses

Proverbs 3 27 Meaning

Proverbs 3:27 exhorts believers not to retain kindness, help, or anything that is rightly owed or due to another person when one possesses the ability and opportunity to provide it. It establishes a clear moral obligation to act beneficently and justly as soon as the capacity arises, condemning both deliberate inaction and active withholding of good.

Proverbs 3 27 Context

Proverbs 3:27 is nestled within a larger section of Proverbs 3 (verses 27-35) that specifically applies the principles of wisdom to daily interactions and relationships with others. After outlining general benefits of trusting and honoring God in the earlier verses (1-12) and the inherent value of wisdom itself (13-26), the instruction shifts to how a wise person behaves outwardly in the community.

This verse serves as a foundational ethical guideline, immediately followed by specific prohibitions against actions that harm neighbors, such as deferring good deeds (v. 28), devising evil (v. 29), quarreling without cause (v. 30), and envying violent men (v. 31). Together, these verses delineate the practical expression of living a life of wisdom characterized by integrity, justice, and active benevolence, aligning with God's character and righteous demands. The historical and cultural backdrop of ancient Israel emphasized strong community ties and reciprocal obligations, where caring for one another, especially the vulnerable, was a divine mandate embedded in the Mosaic Law and reinforced through wisdom literature. This verse implicitly opposes self-centeredness and social apathy by demanding a proactive posture of help and justice.

Proverbs 3 27 Word analysis

• Do not withhold: The Hebrew lo' timna' (לֹא תִמְנַע) is a strong prohibition meaning "do not keep back" or "do not refuse." It implies active non-giving. This points to a sin of omission, where inaction itself constitutes wrongdoing.
• good: The Hebrew ṭôḇ (טוֹב) refers to what is beneficial, kind, favorable, or excellent. In this context, it encompasses not just abstract goodness, but practical benefits, aid, material possessions, or even wise counsel. It signifies something helpful or valuable that can be conferred.
• from those to whom it is due: The Hebrew mimmena‘lāw (מִבַּעֲלָיו) literally means "from its masters" or "from its owners." This phrase powerfully implies a moral claim or rightful expectation on the part of the recipient. It can signify actual ownership (e.g., a debt or wage), but more broadly, it refers to those who have a just claim, whether through relationship, need, or simply a moral obligation. It elevates kindness to a matter of justice and right.
• when it is in your power to act: The Hebrew bîd kā (בְּיַד יָדְךָ) translates to "in the hand of your power/strength." This links moral responsibility directly to one's capability, means, and immediate opportunity. It is a call for prompt action, emphasizing that the absence of excuses (like lacking means) necessitates performing the good deed.

Proverbs 3 27 Bonus section

• Sin of Omission: This verse highlights that inaction can be a sin. Not doing what is right and what one is capable of doing is just as contrary to God's will as committing a sinful act (James 4:17).
• The Righteous Demand: The "due" element elevates the act beyond mere benevolence, making it a matter of righteousness and upholding order. It is about actively living out a commitment to justice, whether repaying a debt, giving fair wages, or simply addressing an evident, pressing need that one is equipped to meet.
• Against Procrastination: The phrase "when it is in your power to act" contains an implied urgency. It is not "when you get around to it" or "when it is convenient," but rather "when you can." This forbids delaying good deeds or due payments. Proverbs 3:28 reinforces this by explicitly warning against saying "Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give it"—if you have it at hand.
• The Power-Responsibility Link: The verse clearly links capability with accountability. One's ability to help creates the responsibility to do so. This applies not just to individuals but can also be extrapolated to communities, churches, or nations concerning their respective spheres of influence and means.

Proverbs 3 27 Commentary

Proverbs 3:27 succinctly captures a fundamental ethical principle of biblical wisdom: the responsibility to act beneficently and justly when one has the ability to do so. The "good" here extends beyond simple charity to include all rightful dues, reflecting a commitment to justice as much as compassion. The phrase "to whom it is due" highlights that certain actions or provisions are not merely acts of grace but moral obligations rooted in fairness, existing claims, or the evident needs of a neighbor. Crucially, the verse anchors this responsibility to "your power to act." This means the capacity (be it financial, physical, or advisory) directly dictates one's moral duty. There is no allowance for deferring aid or justice if one currently possesses the means and opportunity. This principle reflects God's own character, who is bountiful in goodness, and models the communal interconnectedness expected within God's people. It stands as a timeless call against apathy, selfishness, and injustice, urging prompt and proactive goodness.