Proverbs 3:28

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 3:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give; When thou hast it by thee.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give; When thou hast it by thee.
Proverbs 3:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, And to-morrow I will give; When thou hast it by thee.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Say not unto thy neighbour, etc.] Either to whom thou art indebted, and who comes for the payment of a just debt; or to any poor and indigent person that applies for alms: go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; go home, and come tomorrow, and I will pay thee what I owe thee; or do not trouble me now, come another time, and perhaps I may relieve thy wants: this should not be said, because a man cannot be sure of tomorrow that he shall ever see it; nor may it be in the power of his hands, should he live unto the morrow, to do as he promises; his substance may be taken from him; and besides, in the mean time, the poor object may perish for want of relief; when thou hast it by thee; money…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A marked change in style. The continuous exhortation is replaced by a series of maxims. From them to whom it is due - literally, as in the margin. The precept expresses the great Scriptural thought that the so-called possession of wealth is but a stewardship; that the true owners of what we call our own are those to whom, with it, we may do good. Not to relieve them is a breach of trust. Proverbs 3:28 Procrastination is especially fatal to the giving impulse. The Septuagint adds the caution: “for thou knowest not what the morrow will bring forth.” Proverbs 3:29 Securely - i. e., “With full trust,” without care or suspicion. Compare Judges 18:7, Judges 18:27. Proverbs 3:31 A protest against…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Say not - The former verse forbad the denial, and this forbids the delay of this duty. Proverbs 3:29”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pro 27:1; Lev 19:13; Deu 24:12-15; Ecc 9:10, Ecc 11:6; Co2 8:11, Co2 9:3; Ti1 6:18 Proverbs 3:29”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification