What does Proverbs 31:8 mean?
In this verse, Lemuel's mother (Proverbs 31:1–2) counsels her son, a king, to champion the cause of those who lack the power to contend for themselves. She makes a deliberate connection between those who are "mute"—literally meaning those who cannot speak—and the king speaking for them. A righteous leader advocates on behalf of those who need help (Proverbs 21:13; 29:7, 14). Earlier lessons described failure to protect "the afflicted" as a sign of failed leadership (Proverbs 31:5). Proverbs 30:14 described those who take advantage of the poor and needy as animalistic predators.The Hebrew phrase translated "destitute" is an uncommon term literally referring to "children of destruction" or "sons of passing away." In literal terms, this would apply to the terminally ill or those completely incapable of caring for themselves. By extension, this context would also include those in poverty, the oppressed, those suffering in catastrophes, and so forth. It can be easy for those in power to brush aside those who cannot offer anything in return for aid. Yet they need an advocate who can lend the strength they lack. Next, Lemuel's mother will continue to urge him to judge righteously (Proverbs 31:9). A corrupt king or judge might discriminate against the mute and the dying, but King Lemuel was told to render only righteous judgments on their behalf.
Proverbs 31:1–9 contains several teachings echoed previously in this book. The wisdom is related by King Lemuel, as told to him by his mother. This is not the first time a mother's teaching has been mentioned (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20; 30:17). The counsel is a good setup for the rest of the chapter, which is an acrostic poem celebrating the virtues of a wise, industrious, godly wife and mother.
This final chapter fits well with the rest of the book of Proverbs. It reiterates subjects found elsewhere in these lessons. Of note is that the entire chapter is connected to godly women. Topics include the importance of godly parenting, morality, righteous treatment of the needy, justice, and diligence. The first section are the words of King Lemuel's mother. The last is the famous depiction of an "excellent wife," exhibiting ideal traits of diligence, godliness, and competence. That description is arranged as acrostic poem: each verse begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.