Proverbs 31:9

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 31:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 31

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Open thy mouth, judge righteously, etc.] Having heard the cause, pronounce a righteous sentence; deliver it freely and impartially, with all readiness and boldness, not caring for the censures of wicked and unjust men; and plead the cause of the poor and needy; who are oppressed by the rich, cannot plead for themselves, nor fee others to plead for them; do thou do it freely and faithfully. Thus as Lemuel’s mother cautions him against women and wine, she advises him to do the duties of his office in administering impartial justice to all, and particularly in being the advocate and judge of the indigent and distressed.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pro 16:12, Pro 20:8; Lev 19:15; Deu 1:16, Deu 16:18-20; Sa2 8:15; Psa 58:1, Psa 58:2; Psa 72:1, Psa 72:2; Job 29:12, Job 29:15, Job 29:16; Isa 1:17, Isa 1:23, Isa 11:4, Isa 32:1, Isa 32:2; Jer 5:28; Jer 22:3, Jer 22:15, Jer 22:16, Jer 23:5; Dan 4:27; Amo 5:11, Amo 5:12; Zac 7:9, Zac 9:9; Joh 7:24; Heb 1:9; Rev 19:11 Proverbs 31:10”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification