Proverbs 31:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Rulers must judge fairly and actively defend the poor and needy.
The Context of Proverbs 31:9
Justice and advocacy for the vulnerable is central to righteous rule.
What Does Proverbs 31:9 Mean?
The command intensifies: open thy mouth to judge righteously. Righteousness (צדק, tsedaqah) in kingship means judgment aligned with covenant—equitable, just, and weighted toward the protection of the vulnerable. Pleading the cause of the poor is not optional charity but core royal duty.
This duty encapsulates the entire vision the mother is imparting: a king's strength, sobriety, and voice are not for personal aggrandizement but for justice. The poor have no other advocate; the king must become their champion, using all the authority of the crown.
Proverbs 31:9 in the Original Language
צַדִּיק (tsaddiq), 'righteous' or 'just' — judgment that upholds truth, equity, and the covenant bonds that protect society.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 31:9
What does Proverbs 31:9 mean?
Rulers must judge fairly and actively defend the poor and needy.
What is the context of Proverbs 31:9?
Justice and advocacy for the vulnerable is central to righteous rule.