August 5, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Consider today’s verse within the context of sowing and reaping. Within the pages of Scripture examples of the law of sowing and reaping are numerous. Each book of the Bible in some degree illustrates this law. Galatians 6:7 contains the most concise and clear cut overview of this law. It states: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Like the law of gravity this law is universal.

There are countless millions, perhaps billions, of people today that suffer because of the lack of others who should do good to them but do not. The person in the next cubical, or down the hall, a coworker across the country, or an everyday customer may be suffering because they deserve something good to happen in their life but it does not happen. They grow despondent, discouraged, disappointed, or disillusioned. They deserve a raise, a bonus, a promotion, a kind word, a thank you note, or some other token of appreciation for the fine work they perform. Yet, those who have the power to make such good notions reality withhold them.

The best advice to offer based upon today’s verse within the scope of the law of sowing and reaping is to actively pursue the performance of the teachings of the verse. Don’t withhold the good you can do to others because others are withholding the good they should do to you. By doing good to others you unlock the vault that contains good for you. Sadly those who are suffering from not receiving the good they deserve seldom understand that it is their fault. By not doing what good they can to others they rob themselves of the good others should do unto them.

As an Eagle Scout I remember, and have attempted to live, the scout motto, “Do a good turn daily.”  In this motto the unusual word “turn” is used. Not “do a good deed daily,” or “do a good job daily,” or even “do good daily” it is “Do a good turn daily.”   I don’t know who originally penned this motto, but perhaps it means more than what is on the surface. Perhaps it is an unspoken nod to Galatians 6:7.  By doing good when it is your chance to do it, you will, in turn, receive good.

Find someone today that deserves something good from you. If you have the power to extend that good thing, do it. For in doing so you can expect to also receive good, in turn.

Dr. William Howe