Today's Verse: Proverbs 31:9 (KJV)

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
— Proverbs 31:9 (KJV)

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

"No room in the inn!" "Placed him in a manger!" So often we play favorites with the rich, beautiful, powerful, and prestigous. Isn't it interesting that God revealed himself as the defender of the widow, the orphan, and the alien and then entered the world as the child of a Jewish carpenter and a young virgin from a small town. God wants us to notice those in need around us. He wants it to be more than an annual good gesture at Christmas. He wants us to be advocates for the folks like Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. We're not just told to be fair; we're told to defend and to plead the rights of those in need. When we do, we do it for him (see Matthew 23).

My Prayer...

Make me more aware, Holy Father, of those around me who need your love and grace. Make me your instrument to defend them and to serve them. Open my eyes to see Jesus in the faces of those in need. In the name of my Savior, Jesus, Savior of all peoples, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Illustration of Proverbs 31:9
Inspirational illustration of Proverbs 31:9 -- Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 31:9 (KJV) — Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, December 18, 2005

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Power of Stories' (Mt. 13:34-35)
"Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. This...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Encourager Sent to Encourage' (Acts 11:22-24)
"When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened [with the spread of the Good News to both Jews and Gentiles], they sent Barnabas to Antioch...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Don’t Fear a Lack of Money – God Will Help'
"Don’t love money. Be happy with what you have because God has said, ‘I will never abandon you or leave you.’ So we can confidently say, "The Lord is....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 34:14
"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse