Proverbs 31:9 Gideon sons and Deborah daughters

Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights (lit., judge the afflicted) of the afflicted and needy.

Other versions of this verse read to “defend the cause” of the poor and needy, or “administer justice for” the poor and needy.

First of all, this mom is instructing her son to open his mouth.  She wants him to know that to remain silent and do nothing when he sees injustice is not appropriate.  Justice is defined as moral rightness; equity; honor; fairness.  So to administer justice is to manage fairly with honor, according to what is right for all mankind. 

Again, she is raising her son to be a leader, a king.  Therefore, she must teach him how to deal with those less advantaged. 

The concept of judgment can cover a wide variety of situations.  It can mean to defend.  The book of Judges in the Bible records for us how God raised up judges for His people during times when they were dealing with an intense enemy.  Gideon and Deborah stand out in my mind.  Before their leadership, God’s people were having their crops stolen and family and friends killed.  They were poor and needy.  Then God instilled courage in a chosen leader, in order to help free His people.  These leaders simply believed God, obeyed, and led by speaking up.  But they were needed, for it is difficult to believe and obey God in fearful times. (I plan to write more specifics on Deborah later).

As christian mothers, God wants us to raise up children who will have the courage to speak up for others rights.  My husband recently told me about an NBA basketball player who gave up millions of dollars by refusing to sign a contract with a Chinese company.  I don’t remember the details, but it was to speak out against injustice against the poor.  This noble, brave, star player became a real leader when he chose to obey the teaching of his wise grandfather.  You see, his grandfather would often read him stories of slavery, and teach him that he was suppose to speak up for those who could not speak for themselves.  Way to go!  And his teammates are reportedly following suit. 

Judging the afflicted can also mean to govern.  The world is full of orphans right now.  They are sheep without a shepherd.  They need someone to guide them.  Our nation is filled with latchkey children and children from broken homes.  They need guidance.  Whether it be to mentor one person, or govern a nation, this role is a great blessing and an incredible responsibility.  So this mom taught her son how to treat people fairly, and then certainly she modeled that in the home.

To judge can also mean, at times, to reprove.  If someone is involved in wrongdoing, the reason may be that they have never been taught otherwise.  She wants her son to know that he should approach people involved in wrongdoing with this in mind, mercifully showing them the right way.  This reproof of an individual provides them the opportunity to prove worthy.  The words of correction given may be just the tool they needed to see real positive change in their life.  I believe there are many unruly children today because parents and schools are afraid to discipline.  Discipline is a loving action. 

I heard a Jewish scholar talking one time about a Hebrew word for judgment that was akin to or from the root of a word that means mercy.  I cannot find it myself, but it seemed in line with the character of God that I know from the Bible.  I had a mentor in college who also taught me this concept, as well as provided me the much needed reproof.  It was indeed God’s mercy to me.  Just spending time with her each week talking about the events of my life, and hearing and seeing her responses, helped me to learn what was right.  I am grateful for her leadership, and I hope I have provided something similar to those I have mentored.

And of course, judgment can at times mean to contend, punish, or condemn.  As a governor of the people, this son would need to know that there are people who are bent on wickedness.    And at times, sentence would have to be pronounced against someone in order to protect others.  The psalms are filled with this kind of scenario, and so I’m sure Solomon had this modeled by his father David.  But David knew that God is ultimately The Judge.  And David, as well as Jesus, trusted the Father to vindicate their personal enemies.  But David fought the lion and the bear to defend his sheep.  And of course, Jesus layed down His life for His sheep.

Action points:

*teach and model justice and fairness in the home

*raise up Gideon sons and Deborah daughters

*teach and model Godly managing, mentoring, leading

 *defend rights of the poor and needy

*trust God as our personal Defender