CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/31-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/20_Pro_31_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 31:9 - The Words of King Lemuel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/31-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/31-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm" title="Proverbs 31:8">◄</a> Proverbs 31:9 <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm" title="Proverbs 31:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, And render justice to the afflicted and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, And administer justice for the afflicted and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be fair and give justice to the poor and homeless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and minister judgment to the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Speak out, judge fairly, and defend the rights of oppressed and needy people."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, "" Both the cause of the poor and needy!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Open thy mouth, judge righteously, Both the cause of the poor and needy!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Open thy mouth; judge justly, and contend for the poor and needy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Open thy mouth, decree that which is just, and do justice to the needy and poor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Open your mouth, declare what is just, and do justice to the indigent and the poor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Open your mouth in righteous judgment and judge the poor and the afflicted.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Open thy mouth and judge justly, and plead the cause of the poor and weak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/31-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=6469" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">The Words of King Lemuel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: pə·ṯaḥ- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">Open</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">your mouth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: šə·p̄āṭ- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To judge, govern. ">judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/6664.htm" title="6664: ṣe·ḏeq (N-ms) -- Rightness, righteousness. From tsadaq; the right; also equity or prosperity.">righteously,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1777.htm" title="1777: wə·ḏîn (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To judge. Or duwn; a primitive roy a straight course, i.e. Sail direct.">and defend the cause</a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: ‘ā·nî (Adj-ms) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">of the poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/34.htm" title="34: wə·’eḇ·yō·wn (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- In want, needy, poor. From 'abah, in the sense of want; destitute.">and needy.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Psalm 82:3-4</a></span><br />Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. / Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-3.htm">Jeremiah 22:3</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Zechariah 7:9-10</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. / Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-35.htm">Matthew 25:35-40</a></span><br />For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a></span><br />“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, / to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a></span><br />Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-24.htm">Amos 5:24</a></span><br />But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19-20</a></span><br />Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. / Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Exodus 23:6-7</a></span><br />You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits. / Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/29-12.htm">Job 29:12-17</a></span><br />because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. / The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. / I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Romans 12:13</a></span><br />Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a></span><br />Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Proverbs 16:12</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Proverbs 20:8</a></b></br> A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Leviticus 19:15</a></b></br> Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: <i>but</i> in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/psalms/119-154.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Fairly</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-14.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-2.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/psalms/135-2.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-7.htm">Need</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-14.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Open</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-4.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-14.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/96-10.htm">Righteously</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Speak</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/31-20.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-20.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-21.htm">Decisions</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-8.htm">Fairly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/isaiah/4-4.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-1.htm">Maintain</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-11.htm">Need</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-20.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-26.htm">Open</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Plead</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-20.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-1.htm">Righteously</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-10.htm">Rightly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Rights</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-3.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Speak</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-1.htm">Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">The afflicted are to be comforted and defended</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">The praise and properties of a good wife</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Open your mouth</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of speaking out, particularly in matters of justice and truth. In the biblical context, speaking up is often associated with the role of a prophet or leader who must convey God's truth to the people. Proverbs frequently highlights the power of words, both for good and for harm (<a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>). The call to "open your mouth" suggests an active engagement in addressing issues, rather than remaining silent in the face of injustice.<p><b>Judge righteously</b><br>The concept of righteous judgment is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where leaders and judges were expected to uphold God's standards of justice. <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a> instructs judges to judge fairly, without partiality or corruption. Righteous judgment reflects God's own character, as He is the ultimate judge who is just and fair (<a href="/psalms/9-8.htm">Psalm 9:8</a>). This phrase calls for discernment and integrity, ensuring that decisions are made in alignment with divine principles.<p><b>And defend the cause of the poor and needy</b><br>Throughout Scripture, there is a consistent emphasis on caring for the marginalized, including the poor and needy. This reflects God's heart for justice and compassion (<a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a>). In ancient Israel, the poor and needy were often vulnerable to exploitation and injustice, and the law provided specific protections for them (<a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Exodus 22:22-23</a>). This phrase underscores the responsibility of leaders and individuals to advocate for those who cannot defend themselves, mirroring the ministry of Jesus Christ, who often reached out to the marginalized and oppressed (<a href="/luke/4-18.htm">Luke 4:18-19</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_lemuel.htm">King Lemuel</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">Proverbs 31</a>, King Lemuel is believed to have received these teachings from his mother. The identity of Lemuel is not clearly defined in the Bible, and some scholars suggest it may be a symbolic name for Solomon or another king.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_poor_and_needy.htm">The Poor and Needy</a></b><br>This group represents those who are marginalized, oppressed, or lacking resources. The verse calls for their defense and just treatment.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_royal_court.htm">The Royal Court</a></b><br>The setting for this proverb is likely the royal court, where justice and decisions affecting the populace were made. The king or ruler is urged to act with righteousness and fairness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/righteous_judgment.htm">Righteous Judgment</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to judge situations and people with fairness and integrity, reflecting God's justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/advocacy_for_the_vulnerable.htm">Advocacy for the Vulnerable</a></b><br>We should actively seek to protect and support those who are marginalized or disadvantaged in society, following Christ's example of compassion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/speaking_up.htm">Speaking Up</a></b><br>It is important to use our voices to speak truth and advocate for justice, even when it is unpopular or challenging.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_leadership.htm">Role of Leadership</a></b><br>Those in positions of authority have a responsibility to ensure justice and equity, serving as stewards of God's righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a></b><br>Our actions towards the poor and needy should mirror God's love and justice, demonstrating His character to the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'pious_fraud'_mean.htm">Are you judging with righteous judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_respond_to_abuse.htm">How should we respond to acts of abuse?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_your_judgment_righteous.htm">Are you judging with righteous judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/lukewarm_in_faith_and_actions.htm">How does the Bible define human dignity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Plead the cause;</span> rather, <span class="accented">minister judgment, or do right</span>; act in your official capacity so that the effect shall be substantial justice (comp. <a href="/zechariah/8-16.htm">Zechariah 8:16</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/31-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Open</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּתַח־</span> <span class="translit">(pə·ṯaḥ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your mouth,</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֥יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(pî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judge</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁפָט־</span> <span class="translit">(šə·p̄āṭ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">righteously,</span><br /><span class="heb">צֶ֑דֶק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣe·ḏeq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6664.htm">Strong's 6664: </a> </span><span class="str2">The right, equity, prosperity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and defend the cause</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝דִ֗ין</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1777.htm">Strong's 1777: </a> </span><span class="str2">A straight course, sail direct</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the poor</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and needy.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶבְיֽוֹן׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eḇ·yō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_34.htm">Strong's 34: </a> </span><span class="str2">In want, needy, poor</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/31-9.htm">Proverbs 31:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/31-9.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:9 Open your mouth judge righteously and serve (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 31:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 31:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 31:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 31:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>