Our Debts to Those in Need

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].” (Pr 3:27 AV)

This verse is a classic verse in regards to handling the original language of Hebrew.  If one is not careful, the student could miss the meaning and apply the principle here differently than Solomon intended.  The misinformed student will use word definitions to build context rather than context to expound on the word definition.  Individual words can have different meanings.  This is true of most languages.  If one were to ignore the verse that follows the above passage, one could assume Solomon is speaking of honoring those who are due honor.  Indeed, some writers apply that way.  They support that application merely by the Hebrew word for ‘due’.  The Hebrew word is Ba-al or Bah-al which has the meaning of benevolence due a husband or ruler.  So, the misinformed writer would apply Solomon’s words as a proverb to show honor to those who are in places of authority.  However, this honor is not required only when one can offer that honor.  Rather, honor owed to those who are in authority is required whether we think we have the means or not.  To refuse honor to whom it is due regardless of ability to offer it is considered a transgression.  To take the meaning as such means that if we don’t have the means to pay our taxes, then one is not required to do so.  That is not what Solomon means here.

The context is in helping those in need.  The next verse reads, “Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” (Pr 3:28 AV) If we continued in this chapter, we would see Solomon is referring to relationships among citizens and neighbors.  In other words, Solomon is not referring to taxes that we are obligated to pay regardless of ability.  Rather, he is speaking of the ethical responsibility to help others when we have the means to do so.  The passage does not limit help to merely material goods.  By using the strong word ‘due’, Solomon is stressing the ethical responsibility towards those in genuine need.  It is not owed them merely because they have a need.  Rather, benevolence or kindness is owed them because they have a genuine need that they cannot meet themselves and they are fellow human beings.  Solomon is not purporting communism or open-ended welfare.  He is not instructing those who have means to meet the needs of those who demand it without regard to personal responsibility or accountability.  Rather, what Solomon is trying to convey here is humanity’s responsibility to itself.

We often limit this application to material things.  But there are other needs someone may have.  He or she may be discouraged, and your words of encouragement could make all the difference.  The one in need may be anxious and your faith is the cornerstone of their survival.  They may be bitter and it is your gracious spirit that shows them how to overcome the bitterness.  The soul might be lost and in need of someone with faith and patience to show them how they can know Jesus.  There are many genuine needs.  Physical needs are not the greatest of needs.  Our flesh will eventually perish.  We will eventually die of something.  It does not matter how much food we have, money we have, or healthcare that we can access.  We will all end up in a grave.  Our greatest needs are spiritual ones.  Forgiveness of sin and affirmation in Christ are man’s greatest needs.  Those who love the LORD have the means to meet those needs.  As Paul taught us, we are a debtor to the entire world.  We owe them the good news of Jesus Christ.  As saints, we can also help those who are struggling.  Whether in sin or in a trial of faith, we are here to lend a hand.  We are to share the word of God and offer prayer.  We are here to help those who are due our help.  Solomon is not limiting the help to a few dollars here and there.  This help we can offer is available to anyone who is burdened to help.