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 deny ourselves the things that are not majestic. They benefit neither us nor 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 also be concerned for those who are appointed to die. Everyone who does not know Jesus Christ is dead in their trespasses and sins. They are destined for everlasting separation from God if they do not repent and believe. Can we stand idly by and do nothing knowing that they are headed for the cliff? We must open our mouths for them, declaring the only Good News that can save them. We must plead their cause 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.

This Sunday we celebrate the birth of the One who came to be the Light of the world. Let us do all that we can to reach out to those who are in darkness and bring them into the Light!