How to Treat Your Neighbors

Proverbs 3:27–35
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Attention is given in this passage to doing good for those whom you have the opportunity and power to do so. The poor and the neighbor are to be the objects of this kind of good neighbor policy. From these verses we can see three groups of relationships with others and how to be good stewards of these opportunities.

1. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it. In other words don’t hold back paying bills or paying a hired laborer or being generous to the poor or withhold good from its owners (vv. 27-28).
2. Do not harm a neighbor. This violates his trust and accusing him falsely violates the ninth commandment. (Exodus 20:16) (vv. 29-30).
3. Do not envy a violent man. Some people see the money or pleasure that such a man enjoys but God sees his perverse ways. Whereas the upright enjoy fellowship with God (vv. 31-32).

In conclusion the wise, humble, upright or righteous are honored but the fools are shamed. It is a great honor to belong to the house of God. However God’s curse dwells in the house of the wicked.  Shame lifts the scorner up; and as he rises in his shame, God sweeps him with scorn off the stage of human history and into eternal separation from God and into an eternal separation from God in Hell. This is the promotion of fools.

Application

I need to look for someone that I can do good to. Maybe I can help someone who has a need. Or maybe I can thank someone who has done good to me. Or perhaps I could pay a debt I owe to someone. I need to make a habit of not owing anyone anything but love. (Rom. 13:8)