Proverbs 3:27Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. King Solomon's court in Jerusalem. Young men learning wisdom for leadership and business dealings...
The emotion here: fatherly authority teaching young leaders
The original word
yesh (יֶשׁ) — there is, it exists in your possession right now
Why it matters
In ancient Near East culture, delaying payment or help was considered theft
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 3:27
This wasn't about charity — it was about withholding what someone had EARNED
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about charity and giving extra. It's actually about withholding what someone has already earned or deserves — wages, borrowed items, promised help.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 3:27
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 3:27 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 3:27 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include generosity, justice, responsibility. Notable phrases: don't withhold good; power of your hand. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 3:27 mean to you, today?
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