Proverbs 31:9

9 Speak up, judge righteously, defend the cause of the poor and the 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, forget his poverty and cease to remember his troubles.
8 Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves, for the rights of all who need an advocate.
9 Speak up, judge righteously, defend the cause of the poor and the needy.
10 Who can find a capable wife? Her value is far beyond that of pearls.
11 Her husband trusts her from his heart, and she will prove a great asset to him.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.