Proverbs 31:8–9: Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Insight
A king who defended those who could not defend themselves and who were of little threat and made little contribution to him would be noted as a just and gracious man. He was to judge fairly, regardless of a person’s social status. The word for destitute (used only here in the OT) means people who are passing away; they are “on their last legs.” The poor (“afflicted, humbled”) and needy (“people needing help”), who were easily oppressed, were also to be defended by the king. 1
Application
And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13–14
Will you take some time today to consider the words: “For such a time as this.” Will you consider that your position and place in life may have eternal consequences in the lives of others, as the Lord may direct you to do something bold for Him? Are you willing to lay your life down for His purposes, even if it costs you everything?
Motivation
Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Psalm 82:3
Your whole life purpose my come down to just one significant day in which you did the right thing for the glory of God. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for training me to be Your servant for whatever purposes you desire.
1. Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary:
