Defend the Poor and Needy

June 26th, 2025

Proverbs 31:1-9

Not only are the people of God not to show partiality, but we see in Proverbs 31:9 that we are called to defend the rights of the poor and needy. This group of people are often taken advantage of, they can’t afford a defense, and they are judged based on external factors often outside of their control.

This is true today and was true in ancient times as well. In this proverb, it is assumed that judging fairly is connected with the rights of the poor and the needy because they are poor and needy due to injustice. They are poor and needy because they are taken advantage of to advance the cause of the wealthy. They are stepped on for others to get ahead.

Are there places in our world where the poor and needy are still stepped on, abused, or judged unfairly? Where are we called as the people of God to speak up for them? Are there places where we can change the ways we live, so that those who are oppressed will be treated with compassion?

Author: Robbie Cansler