^{Moments in Proverbs
Proverbs 3:27-31}

²⁷ Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. ²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor,“ go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you.

King Solomon begins by this section of Scripture by giving his son some wise practical advice on how to live a godly life.  When the opportunity comes to help someone in need, it then becomes your responsibility toward God and that person to not only be kind, but help him or her in whatever help they may need if it is within your power to do so. 

If what he needs is money and you have it in your heart to give, having the means, give it to him now.  Don't put it off, because if you do, it may leave your mind, so it will probably never happen.  It's much too easy to put it off for later.  Therefore, when you feel that nudge to help someone in need, don't procrastinate, but just do it, and do it right away.    

²⁹ Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake. ³⁰ Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.

The Lord does not intend for His people to devise evil against anyone.  Here in this verse God, through Solomon, is instructing His people to not devise evil against his neighbor.  Who then was their neighbor?  Again, going back to its original language in Hebrew, what did King Solomon means when he wrote to not devise evil against one's neighbor?  According to Strong's Concordance, neighbor (H7453) means brother, someone close, like a companion, friend, spouse, or lover.  While that seems to only include those close to you, God expands his meaning through the next verse. Solomon stated to his son, and God to us, that we are not to strive with anyone without cause - especially when he or she has done you no harm.

God’s wisdom teaches us to treat others well.  Our neighbors around us are for our own security and safety in case of danger from outsiders.  God's people during this time in history lived in clusters together throughout Jerusalem.  They needed each other for protection from the outside world.  It behooved them, and it behooves us today, as our sphere of influence is broadened, to get along with our neighbors and those we come in contact with on a regular basis, including work and church friends and acquaintances.  We have to interact with them, so it is far better to pursue peace instead of strife.  That is the way of wisdom.