Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Many people in our society have little or no voice. The unborn and infants, the elderly, the poor, and those living in the shadows of our society. They have little say in what goes on in the world around them. Or in what happens to them. In the words of King Lemuel, they cannot speak for themselves.
Speak Up for the Voiceless
The words here were instructions to a king or others in places of authority. But I believe they are just as applicable to the rest of us who have some voice. My voice may be small and quiet. But I do have a voice. And I should be willing to speak out for those who have no voice. The destitute, the poor and needy, the outcasts of society, and others who are considered of little value.
I believe this is who Jesus ministered to when he walked among us. And, if we would follow in his steps, we should care for them as well. I confess I do not do this nearly as well as I should. And the Lord has convicted me about that as I read this passage this morning. It is all too easy to ignore those who don’t make it into the news. I pray the Lord will open my eyes and heart to their plight. And that I will be willing to speak up for the voiceless.
