Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)

Open your mouth for the mute,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Open your mouth, judge righteously,

defend the rights of the poor and needy.

The wise queen instructs her son to use his authority and position to advocate for those who are poor, with no real voice. To “open one’s mouth” means to speak up on behalf of someone or something. Due to a lack of financial resources, education, or skill, those who are less fortunate often have a difficult time defending themselves. God is no respecter of persons, and all humans, despite their social or economic status have equal value in his sight. In an affluent culture, it’s easy to think that those who are poor or oppressed just don’t know any better, and brush their needs and desires off as not that important. We tend to elevate a person’s significance in proportion to his bank account. Although those with money can often return the favor when we look out for their interests, the gracious woman is a champion of justice, motivated by a genuine love for God and others.

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