Proverbs 24 Do Right
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Text: Proverbs 24:11-14
Intro: The story of the Good Samaritan
Imagine walking down a street and seeing someone in desperate need—a person injured in an accident, a struggling mother carrying heavy burdens, or an elderly man who has fallen. Naturally, we expect certain people to stop and help—maybe a doctor, a pastor, or even just a decent human being.
Now, imagine Jesus telling a story where the very people expected to show compassion—a priest and a Levite, men devoted to God’s service—see a wounded man on the side of the road and do nothing. These weren’t just ordinary passersby; they were men who knew the law, who worshiped in the temple, who taught others about mercy and justice. And yet, when faced with a real opportunity to live out their faith, they crossed to the other side and walked away.
Then, in a shocking twist, the one person least expected to help—a Samaritan, from a people despised by the Jews—sees the man, stops, and does what the religious leaders refused to do. He binds his wounds, gives his own resources, and ensures the man’s care. He had no obligation, no duty, no expectation to help. But he did.
Jesus told this story to make a point: It’s not about who you are or what position you hold. It’s about seeing the need in front of you and doing what is right when it’s in your power to do so. The priest and the Levite should have helped—but they didn’t. And that isn’t right.
Just as the Samaritan acted when he had the opportunity, Solomon teaches that those in positions of power and influence—including his son Rehoboam—must take responsibility to act justly when they see a need. This principle extends to all of us.
I. We pass by Opportunities to do Right.
Exp. Solomon is discussing with his son the reach of his power and the breadth of his authority. You see with the force of a kingdom behind him Solomon was explaining that Rehoboam would have the care for many at his fingertips.
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, And those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; Doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works?
In the eyes of Solomon it wasn’t right for Solomon to turn a blind eye to the needs of those that are destitute, and hurting. You see for Solomon a leader must remember that the place of the throne is one that brings great responsibility as well as opportunity.
What Solomon is describing is “doing right”. You see it is only right that Rehoboam to expect to serve his people and their interest. And if they are starving then it is only right that the king put an end to the partying until they are fed.
Arg. The ability to do right is a response based upon your field of ministry. I won’t have control of the economic good of millions of people like Rehoboam. But the principle of doing the right thing means nothing in the palace if it is not lived on the street.
Ill.
App. Not one of us today can say that we have no responsibility to do right. We are all given and expected to use the opportunity to “do right” everyday.
II. God is present in Opportunity to do Right.
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; Doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works?
State the principle first: "God sees our hearts and expects us to act when we know what is right."
THEN common excuses people make:
Some might say, 'Well, I didn’t know I was supposed to help.' But Solomon reminds us that God examines the heart and knows our true motives."Others might think, 'God didn’t specifically command me to do this.'
But doing what is right isn’t just about following direct orders—it’s about living in line with God’s character and expectations for His people."Finally, tie back to the Good Samaritan as an example.
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Arg. This is to say when we are given opportunity to do the right thing. We are not on display before a courtroom, or a judge, but before God. You see this is about the expectation of God on his people.
Ill. The story of the Good Samaritan App.
"Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates exactly what Solomon warns against in Proverbs 24:12. The priest and the Levite had an opportunity to do right, but they passed by—perhaps excusing themselves by thinking, ‘This isn’t my responsibility,’ or, ‘Someone else will help.’ But God sees the heart, and He knows when we ignore an opportunity to act with righteousness and compassion."
"On the other hand, the Samaritan didn’t make excuses. He saw the need, recognized it as his moment to do right, and acted. In that moment, he wasn’t just responding to a wounded man—he was responding to God’s expectation. And just as God saw the priest and the Levite turn away, He also saw the Samaritan’s faithfulness. When we encounter moments where we can do what is right, we are not just deciding whether to help another person—we are standing before God, who ‘pondereth the heart’ and will ‘render to every man according to his works’ (Proverbs 24:12)."
Challenge to the Audience:
"The priest and the Levite had religious status, but their inaction revealed their hearts. The Samaritan had no obligation, yet he proved to be the true neighbor. Which one will you be? When you see an opportunity to do right, will you act—or will you pass by and make excuses, forgetting that God sees it all?"
Christ’s point is that following Christ is not about your status it is about your ability to love others before yourself.
The reason the religion of the Pharisees and priests failed is because they lost sight of the people that God loves.
III. There is no future in Failing to do Right.
Exp. Solomon gets really practical here he cuts straight to the point here. He says,
Prov 24.13
My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; And the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
"Solomon reminds us that doing what is right is not just about duty—it leads to a fulfilling life. Just as honey is sweet, righteousness brings satisfaction and blessing. Many live with regrets because they ignored what they knew was right. But wisdom teaches us that doing right today leads to greater opportunities tomorrow. As Dave Hardy said, 'Do what you ought to do when you ought to do it…' Wisdom and righteousness go hand in hand, shaping a life without regret."
By the way this isn’t a bad thing Solomon knows that we do what we want. He is saying, when it is done you will like the taste of doing what is right. You see the life filled with regrets is a mouth of gravel. But a life of doing what is right tastes like honey.
Arg. Dave Hardy told us preacher boys in school. “do what you ought to do when you ought to do it, and there will come a time when you can do what you want to do when you want to do it.”
Years later Dave Ramsey would make his statement popular. “Live like no one else so someday you can live like no one else.”
Which is a reminder that there are very few that do what is right. You see to find someone that will do what is right is as rare as finding a man full of wisdom. Because they go hand in hand.
Application for Employees
"As employees, we often see opportunities to do right, but sometimes we hesitate. Maybe you notice a coworker struggling with a project, but you’re too busy with your own tasks. Perhaps there’s an opportunity to go the extra mile in your work, but no one will notice, so you don’t bother. Solomon reminds us that when we have the ability to do good, we should not pass it by. Doing what is right—being honest, working diligently, and helping others—does not go unseen by God."
Challenge: "What opportunities do you have at work to do right? Are you treating your job with integrity? Are you looking out for others? Or are you just doing the bare minimum and walking past opportunities to make a difference?"
Application for Employers
"Employers have a responsibility, just like Solomon taught Rehoboam. Leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about serving people. Employers can be tempted to prioritize profits over people, but Proverbs teaches us that failing to care for those under our leadership is not right. Are you treating employees with fairness? Are you recognizing their hard work and making ethical decisions that benefit both the company and the people who work for you?"
Challenge: "If God gave you the position to lead, then He expects you to lead with integrity. Are you passing by opportunities to be a fair and just leader?"
Application for Children
"Even children have opportunities to do right. Think about it—how many times do kids see their parents or teachers needing help and ignore it? Maybe a sibling is struggling with something, and instead of offering help, they walk away. Solomon’s wisdom applies to young people too: when you have the ability to do good, don’t ignore it. Honoring parents, being kind to classmates, and obeying teachers are all ways children can live this out."
Challenge: "Young people, you may not be a king like Rehoboam, but you have influence. Your choices matter. Are you looking for ways to do what is right at home, at school, and in your friendships?"
Closing Application Statement
"No matter your role—whether an employee, an employer, or a child—God places opportunities before you every day to do right. The question is: Will you take them, or will you pass them by?"
Jesus Perfectly Lived This Principle
"If anyone embodied the wisdom of Proverbs 24 and the compassion of the Good Samaritan, it was Jesus Himself. Throughout His life, Jesus never ignored an opportunity to do right. He didn’t pass by those in need—He stopped, He saw, and He acted."*
He saw the sick and healed them. When a blind man called out to Him, Jesus didn’t ignore him like the crowd did—He stopped and restored his sight (Mark 10:46-52).
He saw the hungry and fed them. Instead of sending the multitude away, He multiplied the loaves and fish to meet their needs (Matthew 14:13-21).
He saw the sinner and forgave them. When others condemned, He extended mercy—like with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11).
Ultimately, He saw lost humanity and gave His life. Jesus didn’t turn away from the cross. He saw our greatest need—forgiveness and salvation—and paid the price Himself (Romans 5:8).
Jesus never made excuses. He never said, "That’s not my problem," or, "Someone else will take care of it." Instead, He knew the Father’s will and perfectly fulfilled it.
Jesus Gives Grace to Help Us Do Right
"But if we’re honest, we don’t always respond like Jesus. Sometimes we hesitate. Sometimes we justify inaction. Sometimes we miss the opportunities God puts in front of us. But here’s the good news: Jesus not only shows us the right way—He gives us the grace and strength to walk in it."
- He opens our eyes to see opportunities.
If we ask, He will help us recognize the moments when we can act justly and show kindness (James 1:5).
- He gives us courage to step out in faith.
Just as He empowered His disciples, He strengthens us to do what is right, even when it’s inconvenient or costly (Philippians 2:13).
- He forgives us when we’ve failed.
If we’ve walked past opportunities in the past, His grace is abundant. He doesn’t condemn—He calls us forward (Lamentations 3:22-23).
