And let us not be incompetent in doing what is proper, for in its own time we will reap, when we are not discouraged (Galatians 6:9).
The good to which Paul refers in this passage concerns doing what is proper. As Christians, we are called to train our senses to discern between what is proper and what lacks character (Hebrews 5:15). We learn to do what is proper so that we may not be unfruitful (Titus 3:14). In facing the struggles of this life, we are to engage in the proper fight and lay hold of the eternal life we possess in Christ (1 Timothy 6:12).
Good refers to doing what is beneficial, while proper pertains to our conduct—acting honorably and maintaining a commendable appearance. Both qualities should characterize the Christian’s daily life. God has prepared good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). As we engage in these good works, we are to test all things and hold fast to what is proper (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We are called to overcome wrong with good, that is, by doing what is beneficial (Romans 12:21), and not to repay wrong with wrong, but to have regard for what appears proper in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17). God enables all grace to abound toward us so that we are sufficient in all things for good works (2 Corinthians 9:8); therefore, we are to be rich in proper works, ready to give and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:18–19).
We are not to be incompetent in doing what is proper. The New King James Version (NKJV) translates this term as “grow weary,” but it does not refer to physical or mental exhaustion. The original word is often translated as “evil,” signifying actions that lack character. Therefore, it conveys the idea of being ineffective or incompetent in one’s actions. Such conduct may result from tribulation (Ephesians 3:13) or even physical decline (2 Corinthians 4:16). Difficulties and persecution can cause us to lose focus on bearing fruit, leading to incompetence in doing what is proper. However, if we remain competent in our actions, we will bear fruit.
The second term Paul uses means to enervate. Although this is a less common word, it more accurately conveys the intended meaning than “lose heart.” In the NKJV and other English translations, these terms are often treated as synonymous, but they have distinct meanings. “Lose heart” does not pertain to determination; rather, the original word means to enervate, that is, to diminish mental or moral vigor and to feel weak or lacking in energy. This does not refer to physical exhaustion. When we become physically weary due to opposition from others, our souls may feel drained, resulting in enervation (Hebrews 12:3). When the Lord disciplines us, we are not to become discouraged or enervated, for the Lord child-trains those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:5). If others seem to escape consequences for improper actions while we are corrected, this is God’s way of guiding us and should not diminish our resolve to do what is proper.
We must not be incompetent in doing what is proper, nor should we become enervated simply because the fruit of proper conduct requires time to mature. Let us remain steadfast in doing what is proper, grounded in our identity in Christ, so that when He appears, we are found engaged in actions that pertain to eternal life.
