“Deliver those who are drawn toward death and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?” (Proverbs 24:11-12).
The circumstance under consideration in verse 11 affirms the timeless truth that opportunity + ability = obligation. Just as Jesus illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when someone is in danger—serious danger, and you have the opportunity and ability to help them, you are expected by God to help. You are to love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:25-37).
If you should choose to make an excuse instead of doing what you can to help, so you can pass by on the other side, know that God knows. His omniscient ears hear your inner rationalization. His omniscient eyes see your inaction.
He who weighs the hearts and keeps your soul knows. He who rewards the deeds—both good and evil—knows.
