Proverbs 31

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

This is a mandate from God - listen and obey.

Proverbs 31 is known for its talk on the righteous woman and many women have strived to live up to it. There are many verses that actually speak to all of us- vs 20, 25-27 speak of the best way to live a full life and can be studied by all, not just wives, and should not be thrown out just because you are not a married woman.

“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” While these are a great tribute, you don’t have to be a woman to help the needy. You don’t have to be a woman to be strong or have dignity. Hold your head high. Do what is right. Speak truth and let wisdom be your guide in all things. Paul tells us in his letter to Titus “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8). It takes no money to do what is right and to be kind.

King Lemuel was talking of his mother while writing this - she was a great woman indeed and accomplished a lot. She was a wise woman and highly respected. Please remember if you are a woman and try to compare to her while reading proverbs 31, she also had a lot of servants to help her!! 😉