Proverbs 31:9

9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
ESV
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
NLT
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
MSG
9 Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"
CSB
9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of 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 them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:16; S Proverbs 24:23; Proverbs 29:7; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:16
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