Definition: Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this proverb from Proverbs 3:28. It’s a really important message about respect, trust, and waiting. Here's the simple explanation: “Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.” Basically, this verse is telling us don’t make promises you can’t keep. It's a warning against being overly eager or demanding things that aren't truly yours. Let's unpack it: “Say not unto thy neighbour…” – This means don’t make demands or promises to others. Don’t say things like, “If you just give me this, I’ll come back to you tomorrow.” “…Go, and come again…” – This encourages you to actively seek something before promising it. It’s about wanting what's yours. “and to morrow I will give;” - This is the core of the warning. "Tomorrow" represents a future time when you might have it. The key here is “I will give.” It implies that you don’t have it yet, and your promise isn't genuine until you actually possess it. “when thou hast it by thee.” – This means if you truly possess something, you don't need to ask someone else to give it to you. It's about being self-sufficient and trusting in your own ability to receive. In a nutshell: Don’t make promises you can’t follow. Wait until you have what you want before asking for it or making commitments. It encourages patience, responsibility, and true contentment. Why is this important? Proverbs 3:28 reminds us of the importance of being mindful of our actions and words. It highlights that genuine relationships are built on trust and reliability - not on demands. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Proverbs? Discuss the meaning of a particular aspect of this proverb (like patience)?