How can Proverbs 3:27 guide us in making ethical decisions at work? The Verse at a Glance “Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27) What “Good” Means in the Cubicle or Break Room • Honest pay, fair pricing, accurate expense reports • Sharing credit for a project • Timely feedback that helps a coworker improve • Mentoring a junior team member • Speaking up when you see wrongdoing Why “Within Your Power” Matters • God holds us responsible for opportunities He actually places in our hands (James 4:17). • Influence—title is irrelevant. Whether you sign checks or just share information, you still have power to act. • Timing—good delayed can turn into good denied (Proverbs 3:28). Linking Proverbs 3:27 to Everyday Ethical Choices 1. Pay and compensation – Pay contractors, interns, and vendors promptly (Jeremiah 22:13). 2. Truth in communication – Avoid exaggerations in sales pitches; “lying lips are detestable” (Proverbs 12:22). 3. Respecting coworker dignity – No withholding of encouragement or recognition; “let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). 4. Stewardship of company resources – Use supplies and time honestly; “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23-24). 5. Reporting misconduct – Silence shields sin; love “rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Practical Action Steps • Keep a running list of people who “deserve” follow-up: unpaid invoices, unacknowledged helpers, overlooked teammates. • Build margin—budget time and funds so you can act quickly when needs arise. • Schedule regular integrity checks on expense reports, data entries, and project metrics. • Before big decisions ask: “Am I withholding any good that is in my reach to give?” • Model generosity; it encourages a culture where others do the same (Proverbs 11:25). Motivation and Eternal Perspective • God sees secret acts of goodness (Matthew 6:4). • “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 11:1), but “the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity” (Proverbs 13:21). • Serving people at work is ultimately serving Christ (Matthew 25:40). Takeaway When ethical crossroads appear on the job, Proverbs 3:27 calls us to immediate, tangible good—no stalling, no excuses, no withholding. |
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