Week 50 – December 8-14, 2024: Who’s Speaking Up for Whom?

This week’s daily readings:

December 8-14, 2024

This week’s devotional:

Who’s Speaking Up for Whom?

by Rev. Lucy Albert

Scripture:

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy. 

— Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV) 

Reflection:

The book of Proverbs can be much more difficult to understand than it may seem at first glance. It has been called “an anthology of anthologies,” or a collection of collections of a literary genre called wisdom literature. Wisdom literature has certain characteristics and is found across a variety of ancient religions and cultures. Really unpacking the meaning of a particular section can be difficult. 

While there’s no one theme that is carried throughout Proverbs, wisdom is the most prevalent. The first nine verses of this chapter are attributed originally to the mother of someone named King Lemuel (31:1), about whom nothing else is known. He appears nowhere else in Scripture or historical literature. Parts of Proverbs communicate wisdom specific to rulers, and these initial nine verses fall into this category. 

Lemuel’s mother knew he was of royal lineage and likely was destined to be a king when she taught him to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Apparently, these are values God shares for those who hold governmental power. 

What does that mean for us who do not live in an earthly kingdom? Since all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17), we, the servants of God, should seriously consider these values of God’s as we choose leaders and hold them accountable. 

How do you feel as you consider these values of God’s as they pertain to those who hold governmental power? It makes me feel uncomfortable. But then, God is not characterized by making his people feel more comfortable.

Prayer: 

Dear God, we pray for our leaders and all those who would govern. Give them hearts to care for those in need and speak up for anyone who needs a voice. Lord, we know this is in keeping with your heart. Lead us all to ask for your wisdom when it comes to justice and wielding political power. Help us to judge fairly, knowing what is right and good. Inform us through the Holy Spirit in all your ways. We praise you for your wisdom in these areas. Amen