Speak out for those who cannot speak,
for the rights of all the destitute.
Proverbs 31:8

The opening verses of Proverbs 31 are credited to King Lemuel’s mother. (“An oracle that she taught him”) While we don’t find this woman listed among the biblical prophets, some of the words she shared echo the teaching of these spokespeople for God.

Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.
Proverbs 31:8

In God’s word, we are taught repeatedly to care about those around us who are marginalized. In this particular instance, we are told to be a voice for those who have no voice (maybe the powerless in our own society) and to champion the rights of the destitute.

In our church’s own Purpose Statement we see this theme in the last line

OUR PURPOSE
As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA), First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven exists to show God’s kingdom to the world as we—

              + Share the good news of what God has done in Jesus Christ
                  + Develop and nurture God’s children into disciples
                        + Provide a place and a program for praising God
                             + Live our lives according to the Word, guided by the Spirit
                                 + Commit to justice for all God’s people
Adopted by the Session, 2003

We are called to commit to justice for all God’s people.

Prayer

Dear God, as I consider my task for the day ahead, and my purpose in life, give me opportunities to speak for those who cannot speak, and to help the destitute, as I follow my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.