Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It’s easy to read this verse as simply saying "good people say good things, bad people say dumb things." But look closer: the righteous aren't just saying things, their words feed and sustain others, like a shepherd tending a flock. Conversely, the "fools" aren't just lacking wisdom; their absence of sense leads directly to their own demise, a self-inflicted spiritual starvation.
This verse contrasts the life-giving words of the righteous with the destructive folly of the foolish. Following a section that highlights the stark differences between good and evil, this proverb emphasizes how wisdom from the righteous nourishes others, while the lack of sense in fools leads only to their own ruin. It stands as a powerful declaration about the impact of speech and wisdom, or the lack thereof, on both the individual and the community.
Ever wonder what truly 'feeds' people? It's more than just physical food. This verse points to a powerful, life-giving source.
The 'Feeding' Power of Righteous Speech
The verse says the 'lips of the righteous feed many.' This isn't about giving people literal meals. Think of it like a wise shepherd providing sustenance, guidance, and comfort for their flock. The righteous offer words that nourish the soul:
These words are like spiritual bread, essential for growth and well-being.
What happens when wisdom is absent? This verse paints a stark picture of lives that not only fail to give but are ultimately consumed.
The Peril of Spiritual Starvation
While the righteous offer life-giving words, fools are described as dying 'for lack of sense.' This isn't just about a lack of intellect; it's a profound absence of spiritual wisdom and discernment.
Understand the original words
tsaddiyq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Refers to those who are in right standing with God, characterized by conformity to His moral law and ethical uprightness. It describes a lifestyle of integrity that reflects God's character.
eviyl · Hebrew Noun
One who lacks moral and spiritual discernment, acting in defiance of God’s wisdom. The biblical fool is not intellectually impaired but morally stubborn, refusing to align their life with God's truth.
leb · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew word often implies a 'heart' or 'mind,' referring to the seat of understanding, judgment, and discernment. To lack this is to be void of the spiritual wisdom necessary for godly living.
This passage speaks of scribes instructed in the kingdom of heaven who bring out of their treasure what is new and what is old, much like the righteous bring forth wisdom that nourishes others.
Luke 11:42Jesus condemns the Pharisees for neglecting justice and the love of God, showing that religious observance without true wisdom and righteousness fails to 'feed' or nourish people spiritually.
Jeremiah 3:15God promises to give shepherds who feed His people with knowledge and understanding, highlighting the pastoral and nourishing role of those who lead with divine wisdom.
Colossians 1:28Paul's ministry involves warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, aiming to present everyone mature in Christ, reflecting the 'feeding' of the righteous through wise counsel.
Proverbs 1:7This verse directly contrasts the fear of the Lord with the contempt shown by fools for instruction and wisdom, setting the stage for understanding why fools lack the sense to nourish themselves or others.
pooleProverbs 10:21: "The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom."
Feed many, by their wise and pious discourses, counsels, and comforts, which are so many evidences of their wisdom. Die for want of wisdom; they have not wisdom to feed or preserve themselves, much less to feed others.
ellicottProverbs 10:21: "The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom."
(21) The lips of the righteous feed many— i.e., sustain them by words of counsel, encouragement, and comfort, giving to each one his “meat in due season “( Matthew 24:45 ). Fools.—Headstrong, obstinate persons (Proverbs 1:7). For want of wisdom.—Or it may be translated, “Through one who is destitute of wisdom.” As one righteous man will guide many aright, so one unwise man will lead many fools to ruin.
It’s easy to read this verse as simply saying "good people say good things, bad people say dumb things." But look closer: the righteous aren't just saying things, their words feed and sustain others, like a shepherd tending a flock. Conversely, the "fools" aren't just lacking wisdom; their absence of sense leads directly to their own demise, a self-inflicted spiritual starvation.
This verse contrasts the life-giving words of the righteous with the destructive folly of the foolish. Following a section that highlights the stark differences between good and evil, this proverb emphasizes how wisdom from the righteous nourishes others, while the lack of sense in fools leads only to their own ruin. It stands as a powerful declaration about the impact of speech and wisdom, or the lack thereof, on both the individual and the community.
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This verse contrasts the life-giving words of the righteous with the destructive folly of the foolish. Following a section that highlights the stark differences between good and evil, this proverb emphasizes how wisdom from the righteous nourishes others, while the lack of sense in fools leads only to their own ruin. It stands as a powerful declaration about the impact of speech and wisdom, or the lack thereof, on both the individual and the community.
"The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense." — It’s easy to read this verse as simply saying "good people say good things, bad people say dumb things." But look closer: the righteous aren't just saying things, their words feed and sustain o…