Thoughts for the Day

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 neighbour, ‘Go, and come again;
tomorrow I will give it’—when you have it with you.
Do not plan harm against your neighbour
who lives trustingly beside you.
Do not quarrel with anyone without cause,
when no harm has been done to you.
Do not envy the violent
and do not choose any of their ways;
for the perverse are an abomination to the Lord,
but the upright are in his confidence.
The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the abode of the righteous.
Towards the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he shows favour.
The wise will inherit honour,
but stubborn fools, disgrace.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Solomon opens this section of Chapter 3 with some practical advice about living and working with others. As Christians we too can whole-heartedly embrace these principles. We should always offer kindness to those around us if we are able to do so. It should be an automatic action, not just given out of pity. Such action should be done immediately for we never know what tomorrow will bring. We are to live harmoniously with our neighbour, not least because it affects our own happiness and our own safety.

Again this 'Instructional' advice leads on to the consequence of not following God's words. Today, in our world when we see how the wicked flourish, how wars are fought 'tit-for-tat', often with each fresh action worse than the one before, and how those considered by some groups to be outsiders are attacked, we may feel discouraged. However, we should remember that Jesus taught that all such wickedness would be uncovered one day (Luke 12.2-3). Proverbs also teaches us that those who commit sinful actions are "an abomination to the Lord" and that their day of judgement will come.

The passage ends with a warning concerning those who do not believe in God. Solomon says "Towards the scorners he is scornful". But to the person who is able to see God as He really is, and themself as they really are; who appreciates God's grace, and their real need for Him; the proverb says they will inherit "honour".

Lord God Almighty,
Your Son taught us to love others
as we love ourselves,
so may we make special efforts
to love our neighbours,
and to be kind to all whom we meet.
Help us to take the path of peace
when we feel cross,
and not to put off any act of kindness
that we may do this day.
Amen.