Proverbs 31:8

8 Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.

Proverbs 31:8 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:8

Open thy mouth for the dumb
Not who are naturally so, but who cannot speak in their own behalf, either through want of elocution, or knowledge of the laws; or who are bashful, timorous, and fearful, being overawed by the majesty of a court of judicature, or by their prosecutors; or who, as they have not a tongue, so not a purse, to speak for them, the fatherless and the widow; which latter has her name, in the Hebrew language, from dumbness. Here Lemuel's mother advises him to open his mouth freely, readily, boldly, and intrepidly, and plead for such persons. Even in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction;
whose destruction is resolved on by their accusers and prosecutors; and who are in danger of it, being charged with capital crimes; unless some persons of wisdom, power, and authority, interpose on their behalf. It may be rendered, "in the cause of all the children of change", or "passing away" ^F19; the children of the world, which passeth away with all things in it, as Kimchi; or orphans, whose help passeth away, as Jarchi; or rather strangers, as others, who pass from place to place and whose state and condition is liable to many changes who may be ignorant of the laws of the country where they are, and may stand in need of persons to plead for them.

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FOOTNOTES:

F19 (Pwlx ynb) "filiormn transitus", Montanus, Gejerus, Michaelis; "transeuntis, sub. seculi", Vatablus, so Ben Melech; "filiorum mutationis loci", Piscator; "filii mutationis, h. e. hujus mundi", Baynus.

Proverbs 31:8 In-Context

6 Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;

7 let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more.

8 Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.

9 Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

10 A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb [all children of passing away]