The Proverbs Series: The Good Neighbour
Walking the Wise Path to the Good Life
Dear #DailyFollower,
Introduction
Today marks five years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The world has changed profoundly, and our understanding of community, health, and even faith has been reshaped.
One of our most important lessons is the deep need for kindness and love. In times of crisis, people leaned on one another. But as the years pass, it’s easy to forget the power of small acts of goodness.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be the best neighbours we can be—loving, generous, and fair in all our dealings.
Today’s passage from Proverbs reminds us of this call to action.
The Text
📖 Proverbs 3:27-30, EXB
27 Whenever you are able, ·do [do not withhold] good to people who ·need help [or deserve it].
28 If you have what your neighbor asks for, don’t say, “Come back later.
I will give it to you tomorrow.”
29 Don’t ·make plans to hurt [intend evil toward] your neighbor who lives nearby and trusts you.
30 Don’t accuse a person for no good reason; don’t accuse someone who has not harmed you.
📖 Proverbs 3:27-30, AMPC
27 Withhold not good from those to whom it is due [its rightful owners], when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, Go, and come again; and tomorrow I will give it—when you have it with you.
29 Do not contrive or dig up or cultivate evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly and confidently beside you.
30 Contend not with a man for no reason—when he has done you no wrong.
Some Thoughts
Do good whenever you can. If we have the power to help, we shouldn’t delay or withhold it. Wisdom calls us to act in love and generosity.
Live with integrity in relationships. Whether it’s a neighbour, colleague, or stranger, we are called to treat people with fairness, honesty, and kindness.
Be a peacemaker. Unnecessary strife and conflict do not reflect God’s wisdom. As followers of Jesus, we should seek reconciliation, not division.
A Few Questions To Ponder
Take a moment to reflect:
Do I actively look for ways to do good or wait until I’m asked?
Are there people in my life I’ve delayed helping when I had the power to act?
How can I be a better neighbour—someone who loves and serves like Jesus?
What does being a good neighbour look like? Could these questions provide a guiding path to figuring out the nature and practice of being a good neighbour?
Conclusion
The world has been through much in the past five years, but one thing remains unchanged—our calling to love our neighbours. Wisdom teaches us that generosity, fairness, and peace are not optional but essential to walking the wise path.
Today’s challenge: Find one practical way to show kindness today.
Whether helping a neighbour, reaching out to someone in need, or resolving a lingering conflict, take action to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world desperately needing more people who genuinely care for others more than themselves.
Yours faithfully,
John, a #DailyFollower.