Building Others Up!

Building Others Up! (Proverbs 3:27)

Proverbs 3:27, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.”

God cares about the smallest details of our lives. The man who owes you money and has the means to pay it back, yet keeps on putting you off is foolish, for God sees him and takes note of his behavior. When someone is due good at our hand, there is great wisdom in rewarding that good. The good may be money owed or a word of thanks. The greater thought is that when we owe someone, there is wisdom in paying the good due to them promptly. Moral principles are entrenched in God's laws, which are all impartial and just. God does not look kindly on people who procrastinate to the point of criminal inactivity.

As believers, we have a Biblical responsibility to be prompt in our obligations, and if we are able, to help and assist those who need our help (Exodus 23:4-5; Acts 20:35; I Timothy 5:16; James 1:27). Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

When the mantle was passed from Moses to Joshua, God knew Joshua would need all the help he could get in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. So, God told Moses, Joshua’s mentor, the instructions according to Deuteronomy 3:27-28, “Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.” Everyone needs encouragement…even you need it!

During the 1920’s, the Chisolm’s were the epitome of American high society. Everlina, the Chisolm’s housekeeper, had been with them for 45 years, and when her niece came over to play, they took the little girl under their wing. She sang beautifully and Mrs. Chisolm, a trained musician, asked if she would like to become a professional singer. She was thrilled. Her most prized possessions were recordings of famous opera singers, and when the Metropolitan was on the radio she was mesmerized. It was on that day she took the first step towards realizing her dream and guests of the Chisholm’s were amazed by the girl who sang with a talent and sensitivity far beyond her years. Elizabeth Chisholm continued to sponsor her education by sending her to study at Julliard. As a result, the world was introduced to the phenomenal talent of Leontyne Price, the darling of the Metropolitan Opera.

The Bible admonishes us to “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it”. One of the highest responsibilities we have is to encourage one another. As followers of the Lord, we are instructed to build others up by emphasizing on others potential. Become the oxygen to others around you who are gasping for hope. Strengthen to persevere for the Kingdom. Encourage them that all things work together for good to them that love God.
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These verses can apply to giving rewards, assistance, or praise to those who deserve them. Another application, however, is the on-time payment of your debts to your creditors or wages to those who work for you. Wisdom is demonstrated by how we respond to and interact with others.

Love teaches us how to be a neighbor to people, and places us in debt to our neighbor so we are morally obligated to do our neighbor good when he is in need if we have the ability or resources to do it. This good is not to be delayed but promptly performed.

Walking in wisdom involves the way a person treats others and deals with them. The father gives simple instructions that will help his son as he learns to relate to his neighbors, in particular, and to all others, in general. Do not delay to help those who deserve it. As believers, we have a holy responsibility to be prompt in our obligations and to be generous in helping and giving to those in need. This command relates to the following:

• Paying workers their wages and paying them promptly (Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; James 5:4).
• Providing assistance to those who need our help (Exodus 23:4-5; Acts 20:35; I Timothy 5:16; James 1:27).
• Paying our debts in a timely manner (Psalm 37:21; Romans 13:8).

Four examples of withholding good:
1. Jacob (Genesis 25:29-33)
2. The Ammonites (Deuteronomy 23:3-4)
3. Nabal (I Samuel 25:10-11)
4. The priests and Levite (Luke 10:30-35)

Three examples of not withholding good:
1. Abraham (Genesis 13:9; 14:23)
2. The widow (I Kings 17:9-16)
3. The good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

Question to Consider:
Who can you encourage today?

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be mindful of others who I can help, encourage or build up in the faith. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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