God asks us to speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves.
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”Proverbs 31:8-9 (KJV)
What does “Speaking up” mean in Proverbs 31:8-9?
The dumb here means those who have no voice in court or in society. The verses call for fair judgment and for defending the poor and needy.
Going deeper
These are words a queen mother spoke to her son, a king. She tells him to use his position for others: open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. The people in view are those who have no power, no lawyer, and no way to be heard. Then she repeats the call: open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Most of us are not kings, but we all have some voice and some influence. We can speak up in a meeting, sign a petition, support an advocacy group, or simply refuse to laugh when someone is mocked. Ask who in your community does not have a voice: a child in foster care, a struggling neighbor, someone who is new to the country. Choose one way to help them be heard this week. Speaking up for others is a form of love.
Reflect
Who in your community lacks a voice, and how could you help them be heard?
Pray
Lord, give me courage to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Open my eyes to who needs an advocate. In Jesus' name, amen.
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