Proverbs 31:9

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Open {H6605} thy mouth {H6310}, judge {H8199} righteously {H6664}, and plead {H1777} the cause of the poor {H6041} and needy {H34}.

Speak up, judge righteously, defend the cause of the poor and the needy.

Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:9 is a powerful admonition, part of the wisdom imparted to King Lemuel by his mother. It calls for active, righteous leadership focused on justice and compassion for the vulnerable.

Context of Proverbs 31:9

This verse is found within the first nine verses of Proverbs chapter 31, which are distinct from the well-known description of the "virtuous woman" (Proverbs 31:10-31). These opening verses present the wise counsel of a queen mother to her son, King Lemuel, regarding the responsibilities of royal leadership. Her advice centers on avoiding destructive behaviors (like excessive wine or sexual immorality) and, crucially, embracing the duty of true justice. It sets a high standard for those in positions of authority, emphasizing that their power should be used to protect, not oppress.

Key Themes in Proverbs 31:9

  • Active Advocacy: The command to "Open thy mouth" is a call to speak out. It signifies that true justice requires vocal, proactive engagement, not passive observation, especially in the face of injustice or silence.
  • Righteous Judgment: To "judge righteously" means to make decisions based on truth, fairness, and impartiality, free from corruption or personal bias. This is fundamental to a just society and good governance.
  • Care for the Vulnerable: The specific instruction to "plead the cause of the poor and needy" highlights God's special concern for the marginalized. It mandates that leaders and, by extension, all believers, must actively champion the rights and welfare of those who cannot defend themselves. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's heart for the oppressed and the call for His people to reflect that compassion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "judge" (shaphat) in "judge righteously" carries the meaning not just of making a legal decision, but also of governing and ruling. The term "righteously" comes from tzedek, which denotes conformity to a moral and ethical standard, often divine in origin. "Plead the cause" uses the Hebrew din, which means to litigate or contend in a legal sense, underscoring the active role required. The "poor" (ani) and "needy" (evyon) represent different facets of destitution and vulnerability, encompassing those who are afflicted, humble, or economically disadvantaged.

Practical Application

While originally directed at a king, Proverbs 31:9 holds profound relevance for all people today. It challenges leaders in every sphere—government, business, community, and family—to exercise their authority with integrity and a heart for justice. For individuals, it serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to speak up against injustice, advocate for those without a voice, and show practical compassion to the poor and marginalized. It encourages us to be agents of righteousness in our communities, striving to embody the principles of God's justice and mercy in our daily lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 1:17

    Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

  • Amos 5:11

    Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

  • Amos 5:12

    For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate [from their right].

  • Leviticus 19:15

    Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

  • Deuteronomy 1:16

    And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear [the causes] between your brethren, and judge righteously between [every] man and his brother, and the stranger [that is] with him.

  • Job 29:15

    I was eyes to the blind, and feet [was] I to the lame.

  • Job 29:16

    I [was] a father to the poor: and the cause [which] I knew not I searched out.

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