Part Three
Proverbs 3:27-35
How to Live in a Proper Relationship with our Neighbors
Who are our neighbors? Everyone
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due. When it is in your power, your hand will see them through.
- Our good works must be non-judgmental. We have all needed help at one time or another. When you see someone who needs a helping hand, give him yours.
Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go and come back again. Tomorrow I will give,” but you had it. That’s sin.
2. Our good works must be proactive. To live a life filled with wisdom we must do more than talk about our faith. We must be proactive in meeting the needs of those less fortunate. Don’t put off what can be done today.
Do not devise evil with your neighbor or friend, For he dwells beside you, for safety’s sake depend.
3. Our good works must be trustworthy. Avoid needless strife. Our actions should allow others to depend on us when needed.
Do not strive with a man if he has done no harm. Be at peace with all men; keep calm and don’t alarm.
4. Our good works must be peaceful. We are to get along with all men and show a gentle and peaceful spirit. What a great opportunity to make a difference. Promote peace wherever you go.
Don’t envy the tyrant or choose any of his ways, For the perverse person will be cursed all his days.
5. Our good works must not envy. Sometimes the evil person wins. He seems happy with his circumstances. But if you knew, he is far from being happy and his end will be bad.
The Lord’s secret counsel is with the upright man. He blesses his household over all his lifespan.
6. Our good works are rewarded. The Lord gives wisdom to the righteous man and blesses his family.
He will shun the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. The wise will have glory, but the fool will stumble.
7. Our good works gives us God’s grace and glory. Two extremes, pride and humility, are choices we make. Sinful pride is self-centered and boastful. All the gifts God has given us are to be used to glorify Him. Humility is not low self-esteem but admitting that our abilities come from God.
When we truly love our neighbors as ourselves we are walking in wisdom.