Black brush lettering on ivory handmade paper: “Use the room you have to make room for someone who needs to be heard.”

Speaking Up for Someone Who Is Being Overlooked

A meeting can move on before everyone has been heard. A decision can affect someone who was never invited into the conversation. Thoughtful care includes noticing whose needs are missing from the discussion.

Speak up and judge fairly;

(Proverbs 31:9, NIV, excerpt)

Proverbs 31 opens with instruction given to King Lemuel by his mother. She urges him to exercise his responsibility with clear judgment and to defend people who are poor and vulnerable. His position is meant to serve justice.

Make room for the person affected

In the places where you have influence, ask whose perspective needs to be included. Listen to that person when possible and learn what support they actually want.

Speak accurately and with care. Distinguish what you know from what you need to understand, and protect information that is private.

If a process makes participation difficult, ask about practical improvements: clearer information, accessible arrangements, or enough time to respond.

Bring both courage and humility to Jesus in prayer. A faithful contribution may be a calm question that gives someone else room to speak, or a responsible step toward fair treatment.

A prayer

Lord, give us courage to seek fair treatment and humility to listen well. Guide the way we use influence. Through Jesus, make us attentive to people who are easily overlooked and faithful in the practical help we offer. Amen.

Read Proverbs 31:1-9 in the NIV.

Keep reading: Considering the Needs of the People Affected by Your Decision · When an Opportunity Needs a Thoughtful No.