Matthew Henry Commentary


Matthew Henry Commentary
"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give; When thou hast it by thee. Devise not evil against thy neighbor, Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, If he have done thee no harm. Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways. For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; But his friendship is with the upright. The curse of Jehovah is in the house of the wicked; But he blesseth the habitation of the righteous. Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly. The wise shall inherit glory; But shame shall be the promotion of fools." — Proverbs 3:27-35 (ASV)
Our duty is to observe the precepts of Christ and to copy his example. We are to do justice, to love mercy, and to beware of covetousness. We are also to be ready for every good work, avoiding needless strife and, if possible, bearing wrongs rather than seeking redress by law. It will be found that little is gained by contention. Let us not envy prosperous oppressors; far be it from the disciples of Christ to choose any of their ways. These truths may be despised by the covetous and luxurious, but everlasting contempt will be the portion of such scorners, while Divine favor is shown to the humble believer.