Dave's Diary

After today, these blog posts and their author will be on a much-needed three week break. May the Lord continue to speak to you in beautiful ways through His Word … until we meet again.

Prayer

Father in Heaven, our Protector and Provider, show me Your heart in Your Word today, and change my heart to be more like Yours. Amen.

Reading

Read Proverbs 31 slowly and prayerfully. Notice which verse particularly jumps out at you. Re-read that verse a few times, slowly. Write it down in your journal. Try to memorise it so that you can reflect on it without having to read from the page.

Prayerful Reflection

Now take that Proverb and think about your life at the moment. Is there a situation in your life to which that Proverb applies? Ask the Lord how this verse from His Word is telling you to live out His wisdom in that situation. Make notes in your journal.

A Devotional Thought

Proverbs 31: 
⁸ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy. (NIVUK)

This section of Proverbs was inspired by King Lemuel’s mother, advising him on his role as a king. The commentator Garrett writes of her wisdom: “It is noteworthy that this is her sole political concern; she does not say anything about building up the treasury, creating monuments to his reign, or establishing a dominant military power. For her the king’s throne is truly founded on righteousness.”

If we would be people of righteousness whose lives are pleasing to God, we simply must make it a priority to support the well-being of the powerless, the vulnerable, the poor and the needy in our society. This is clearly a priority for God, and it is also an area where we South Africans have many opportunities to work for justice and righteousness. We are called to pay attention to the ways the vulnerable need the encouragement, support, protection and advocacy of those of us who carry more power and influence in society. We are called to speak up on behalf of those who have no voice and to ensure that their dignity and rights are protected. This is deeply pleasing to God! May it become a way of life to us all.

Prayer

Lord, I confess how many times I am blind to the needs of others and deaf to Your call to make a difference to their well-being in practical ways. Please forgive me. Please open my eyes to see, my ears to hear, my heart to care, my mouth to speak, and empower my hands and feet to act! Amen.