Proverbs 31:1-9

“Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8–9, NKJV)

As King Lemuel’s mother gave him advice, she warned him against immoral women and intoxicating drink. He needed to keep himself from these things so that he could defend those who had no voice, judge righteously, and advocate for the poor. These are the qualities of a good king.

We many never become a king or queen in this world, but everyone who believes in Jesus Christ is royalty in the kingdom of God. Christ has made us kings and priests to our God, and we shall reign with Him (Revelation 5:10). Therefore, we should act like royalty now. We should keep away from things that are not majestic. They do not benefit us or others. Instead, we should do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). We should protect the fatherless, defend the widows, and remember the poor. We must never be afraid to speak up for those who are being unjustly treated—even if we are insulted or persecuted for it. We should imitate our King Jesus.

We should be concerned for those who are appointed to die. This could mean that we stand up for the rights of the unborn. But we can also apply this to those who are on the road that leads to destruction. They will be eternally separated from God if they do not repent and believe. Can we stand idly by and do nothing? We must open our mouths for them, declaring the only Good News that can save them. We must plead their case before the throne of grace, for only God can draw them to Christ. There is no more kingly duty than this, for our King came to seek and to save what is lost.