Won't You Be My Neighbor?

"With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown. Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure" (Proverbs 11:9-15).


These six verses describe what it takes to live well in community. We are taught what it takes to be a great neighbor. To really make a difference in our cities and neighborhoods, we must live life according to God's spiritual design. If not, the whole community suffers.

Today's passage shows a connectedness between neighbors, cities, government advisors,  gossips, and even cosigners. Brokenness in community begins with a slanderous neighbor. Community is instantly destroyed by hateful and deceitful words. In contrast, those who love the Lord love His people and so no such words are uttered.

When the righteous live well, the city does well. Good people make the city a good place to live while the godless ruin it with their godless actions. People shed very few tears, if any, when those folks are gone.

We are taught here that when government officials have wise counsel, great decisions are made for the community. When great decisions are made for the community, there is safety. Our government leaders are always in need of great counsel. It is important that we not only pray for our leaders but also for those who advise them.

When it comes to financial matters, good neighbors never cosign a loan for someone. They may be well intentioned and they may want to help, but it is never a good idea to "put up security for a stranger." If you want to help someone financially, it is better to just give them the money than it is to loan it to them. No one should ever regret doing good by giving freely to those in need. That's what good neighbors do.

God has designed us to be in community. God said himself that it is not good for man to be alone. He Himself lives in community as our trinitarian God; three in one. He calls you and me to live in community as well. And so let me ask you this: Won't you be my neighbor?

Sure, I knew you would.