Proverbs 31:8 - Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.

THINK: If you watch the news or are active on social media, it seems like injustice exists everywhere. To be sure, there are many places around the world, and sometimes in our neighborhood, where people are mistreated. Since everyone has been created in God’s image

(Gen 1:27), everyone should be treated with respect.

Sadly, not every is able to care for themselves and many can become a victim of someone who wants to take advantage of them. Do you know someone like this? Maybe it is a loved one, friend, or acquaintance. How could you help them?

CHALLENGE: If you know someone who is being mistreated, pray and think about how you could help them. Can you stand up for them or get them the help they need? Perhaps a parent, teacher, or even someone in law enforcement should get involved to make sure that this person is able to be protected. If you feel scared, pray and ask that God would give you courage and wisdom to do the right thing. You might be just the person that God uses to make a huge difference in their life.

Proverbs 19:1 – Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

THINK: Everyone (well, most people) wants to be an honest person. But, it is easier said than done. It can be easy with some parts of our life to tell the truth, but when we want to impress others or look good to our friends and family, it can be tempting to lie or mislead them. Whether you tell outright lies or say things that are sort of true, but trick people into believing something wrong, both are wrong and can cost your integrity.

You don’t have to tell everyone everything that is on your mind, but whatever you say must be honest. God knows that it can be risky for us to tell the truth, but it is so important that He says in this proverb that our honesty is worth more than money. Whatever you gain (maybe respect or money) is not worth trading it for your integrity.

CHALLENGE:  When we try to impress others it can be easy to say the wrong thing so we look. The next time that happens, remember that everything we do should be for God’s glory (1 Cor 10:31), not your glory. Trust Him enough to be honest in everything you say (and don’t forget to be kind!).