Open Your Mouth for the Dumb

You sit in the minibus on your way to work, and a neighbour begins mocking Christianity, calling it a crutch for the weak-minded. Your heart quickens. Around you, others laugh nervously. You know the Gospel is true—you have experienced Christ’s power in your own life—yet your tongue feels heavy, your lips sealed. This is the struggle of countless Nigerian believers: the battle between conviction and silence.

The Teacher in Proverbs calls us to break this silence. “Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.” Here, “the dumb” does not mean those without intelligence, but those without a voice—those who cannot speak for themselves. In the spiritual sense, this refers to lost souls who do not know Christ and cannot advocate for their own redemption. We, who have been bought with the blood of Christ, are appointed as His ambassadors to speak on their behalf.

This is not a call to arrogance or disrespect. Rather, it is a call to courage. When we remain silent in the face of spiritual darkness, we abandon our responsibility. In Matthew 28:19, our Lord commanded: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” This is not a suggestion for the special few—it is the marching order for every believer.

Yet boldness in evangelism does not come from human confidence. It comes from the Holy Ghost. In Acts 4:29, the early disciples prayed: “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.” They did not ask for easier circumstances; they asked for bolder hearts. God answered. Ordinary fishermen and tax collectors began to shake the foundations of Jerusalem with the Gospel.

What stops us? Fear of rejection. Fear of looking foolish. Fear that we might not have all the answers. But consider this: the woman at the well (John 4:28-29) did not wait until she understood theology. She left her waterpot and ran to tell her village about Jesus. Her simple testimony brought many to faith.

Nigeria is a land where spiritual hunger runs deep. Your workmate, your neighbour, your family member—they are “appointed to destruction” without Christ, yet many are desperately seeking truth. Your boldness could be the instrument God uses to rescue a soul from eternal darkness.

The question is not whether you are eloquent enough or educated enough. The question is: will you open your mouth? Will you overcome the fear that silences you? God has promised that His Word will not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:11). Your only responsibility is to speak it.

Today, identify one person in your sphere and pray for an opportunity to witness. Ask the Spirit to give you boldness, not arrogance. Then speak—simply, honestly, and with love.

Lord, grant me boldness today to speak of Christ, that the lost might hear and believe.