The Powerless in Proverbs

Angelo Frazier

July 21, 2024

Introduction:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9
The tension- Social Justice verses Biblical Justice
Social justice examines the fairness of a society’s wealth distribution, as well as the distribution of privileges and opportunities. Discrimination based on traits like race or gender goes against the principles of social justice, which include human rights, access, participation, and equity.

Biblical justice is the equitable and impartial application of the rule of God’s moral law in society. It seeks to protect individual liberty while promoting personal responsibility. Biblical justice is loving, merciful, gracious, generous, and restorative.
Mankind is made in image and likeness of God. (Genesis 1:26)

I. The truly

Reveal Answer

(the-pre unborn)

Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not repay man according to his work? Proverbs 24:11-12 Proverbs 8:36, Proverbs 31:8-9

II. The truly

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(widows, orphans and the poor)

The Lord will tear down the house of the proud, But He will set the boundary of the widow. Proverbs 15:25, Proverbs 23:10–11, Proverbs 21:13

III. The truly

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(anybody else)

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who declares lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” Prov. 6:16-19; Proverbs 3:29; Prov. 6:16-19

The Application

a. Love

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and love

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(Matthew 22:36-40)

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40

b. Live out

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(Romans 11:29)

for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

c. Step out

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We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1Thessalonians 5:14

We are a body of believers called to glorify God by declaring the gospel, maturing believers, and giving our lives away for Jesus Christ’s sake.

The voiceless – will we hear

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?
The vulnerable – will we respond to

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