King Lemuel, a somewhat enigmatic figure in Proverbs 31, emerges like an echo from the dense fog of biblical history, his story steeped in speculative uncertainty. Much is debated about his identity and the context of his reign, but what is unambiguous is the voice of wisdom from his mother’s tongue.

Against the backdrop of deeply ingrained respect for elders and authority of many Asian cultures, the counsel given to King Lemuel by his mother takes on a particular resonance.

Consider the wave of anti-corruption campaigns across Asia. Leaders, facing pressure to deliver equitable societies are grappling with the seductive allure of power and its attendant temptations. The stark reality is that clouded judgement, often fuelled by unchecked indulgence, can erode the very foundations of justice they are sworn to uphold.

As Lemuel’s mother wisely cautioned, it is not for rulers to drink and “forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.” (v. 5) Her wisdom finds a stark echo in the downfall of officials whose decisions, blurred by the haze of lavish banquets and unchecked influence, have betrayed public trust and undermined the pursuit of justice.

Just as Lemuel was exhorted to speak up for the voiceless, those of us who have the privilege of hearing God’s Word in our mother tongue also have a responsibility to advocate for those who do not.

Give a verse today:
Let your gift speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves — ensure access to God’s Word for those without.
Let your verse speak up for the poor and helpless — and see that they receive Scripture in their own language.