Proverbs 31:8 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Proverbs 31:8

Comments

The king was to have a special interest in the welfare of the weakest and most vulnerable members of society. The ruler’s power and authority are given to him by God to exercise on behalf of those who lack power. He is therefore to look out of their needs, to put himself in their place, to consider their anxieties and insecurities, and to make strenuous efforts to protect them. This authority is given by God and the ruler must remember he will be held accountable for making laws consistent with the commandments of the God who cares for the poor and needy (1 Samuel 2:8; Psalm 113:7). Israel was constantly reminded of this duty, for they must be a caring society (Deuteronomy 15:11; 24:14). God allowed poverty to exist among them partly so as to test their compassion for one another. The king was to be the chief organiser of such compassion and the one who had overall responsibility for it. He was to instruct his ministers to actively seek out cases of hardship and make provision for classes of citizens who inevitably fell into destitution. Yes, he should create an economy in which the poor are lifted out of their poverty, but this will never be entirely successful because of the diversity of human circumstances, and so he also needs to keep an eye on the poor. He is to speak on behalf of those who have no voice, either literally, or because they are too insignificant, the latter being far more plentiful. He must find out what new schemes have arisen to disenfranchise some new class of unfortunates. He can never rest therefore from investigating his own kingdom to seen what the unscrupulous are doing next, for if he is wise, he will understand that the basic nature of man does not change which makes him take advantage of his neighbour. Let the king therefore open his mouth to pronounce judgment against all exploiters of others, without fearing the powerful and influential. He is king; he is above his nobles and his ministers. Let him use his power without trembling at any threat, for the above him is the Lord who will judge all without partiality. Let him plead the cause of the poor and needy, as one who identifies with them and stands up for those who are not able to stand up for themselves.

Application

Such compassion characterises the King of kings and Lord of lords, and is characteristic of his kingdom on earth (Psalm 72:13). This kingdom is of course the New Testament church. It must be a place where the poor and needy can find a refuge. The church must be an example to the world of how to care for its own, even though they are weak. Therefore they must often ask about each other’s welfare and be ready to distribute help as required. This should be done both by individuals and by the leadership of the church. Paul gives Timothy instructions on how to go about this in relation to one class of needy person (1 Timothy 5:3-16), and provision for the poor was a constant concern of the apostles (Galatians 2:10). But that practical provision is just one expression of a love that ought to express itself in many ways among God’s people. It will give whatever is needed, be it food, shelter, clothing, or a word of encouragement, a word of instruction, or even a word of correction.

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Proverbs 31:8 Commentary and Bible Study