Deuteronomy 24:15
“You shall give him his wages on his day before the sun sets, for he is poor and sets his heart on it; so that he will not cry against you to the LORD and it become sin in you.”
Proverbs 3:27 says something very similar, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it.”
Why would we withhold good? It may be an attempt to control. In the above passage, the person is an employee. This may be a way to ensure the person returns the next day.
We attempt to control situations all the time. Usually it’s not a moral action; neither good nor bad. It may be done because of a timing issue. We may withhold sharing some news until an optimum moment. The news may be good or bad. If it’s good, to share it at a particular time would be a morale boost. Bad news is always bad. However, there are worse times to share it. To tell someone of a job loss before the holidays would be devastating.
Some share or withhold from bad places. There is a reason underneath this. It may be jealousy or hurt. The proper route would be to address the issue in an attempt to repair it. However, it takes two for mending. At least one needs to have humility and forthrightness. If there isn’t humility, then things can get volatile. A resolution can still be reached, it just may not be as smooth.
We don’t always know our motives. Proverbs 20:5 says, “A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out.” We need to grow in understanding. Having an open heart, seeking counsel, staying in God’s Word and praying for wisdom is how we get it.
Lord, help us to grow in love and understanding.