Proverbs 3:27 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 3:27 mean?

Proverbs 3:27 says that a person should not hold back something good from those entitled to receive it when that person can provide it. The verse joins a recipient’s rightful claim with the giver’s ability to act.

The phrase “in the power of thine hand” pictures the ability to do something as being within one’s grasp. The instruction comes in the form of a teacher’s advice to a “son,” a familiar way of passing on wisdom in Proverbs.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 3:27

• “due” — בַּעַל (baʿal): This word can mean an owner or one who has a claim to something. Here it describes the people to whom the good belongs or is owed.
• “power” — אֵל (ʾel): Here the word carries the sense of strength or capacity. Joined with “hand,” it points to what a person is able to do.

Why Proverbs 3:27 matters

• The verse gives a condition as well as a command. “When it is in the power of thine hand” makes the instruction concern something the person has the ability to provide.
• The next verse brings the timing into focus. Proverbs 3:28 warns against telling a neighbour to return tomorrow when what is needed is available now. Together, the verses treat delay as another way of holding back good.