Today’s Reading, Proverbs 30-31
Focal Scripture: Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.”
Those who are in distress need advocates. In these verses we are told to speak up for those who have no voice or have no security (dispossessed). One of the greatest acts of kindness we can perform as believers is to speak up and defend those who are hurting or have been hurt.
The writer here is commanding that people speak up, judge rightly and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy. The reason you ask? The tendency is for people to avoid uncomfortable situations. Most people will allow injustice to continue because it doesn’t directly affect them.
This however is not how Christ followers should behave. We should be the voices for people who are struggling. We should be a voice for those who are oppressed or needy. We must see the details of the lives around us daily.
As believers we are challenged to do this because we know what it is like to be needy and oppressed. You may say “ I am not oppressed” by anything. In reality we are oppressed by sin. In the Old Testament the priest would speak on behalf of the people to God. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks on our behalf to the father to forgive our sins. We are needy and need an advocate.
I challenge you today to speak up for those who are hurting, oppressed, lied about and falsely accused. This is not done for selfish ambition or gain but to stand up for those who need help. Being strong in the Lord should not be a selfish endeavor. Having strength in God should lead us to protect others, especially those who are in need.
Look for opportunities to stand in the gap and speak up for those in need. You never know the impact you may have on someone’s life.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Ecclesiastes 1-4
