Proverbs 31:9

9 Speak up,[a] judge righteously, and defend the cause of[b] the oppressed and needy.

Proverbs 31:9 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:9

Open thy mouth, judge righteously
Having heard the cause, pronounce a righteous sentence; deliver it freely and impartially, with all readiness and boldness, not caring for the censures of wicked and unjust men; and plead the cause of the poor and needy;
who are oppressed by the rich, cannot plead for themselves, nor fee others to plead for them; do thou do it freely and faithfully. Thus as Lemuel's mother cautions him against women and wine, she advises him to do the duties of his office in administering impartial justice to all, and particularly in being the advocate and judge of the indigent and distressed.

Proverbs 31:9 In-Context

7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.
8 Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.
9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.
10 Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.

Footnotes 2

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