The lips of the righteous feed manyThis phrase highlights the power of words spoken by those who live in accordance with God's will. In biblical context, the "righteous" are those who follow God's commandments and live a life of integrity. Their words are nourishing, providing wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to others. This aligns with the biblical principle found in
Proverbs 18:21, which states that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." The imagery of feeding suggests sustenance and growth, indicating that the righteous have a positive, life-giving impact on their community. Historically, in ancient Israel, wisdom was often passed down orally, making the spoken word a crucial means of instruction and moral guidance. This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate Righteous One, whose teachings and words have fed and continue to feed countless believers spiritually.
but fools die for lack of judgment
In contrast, this phrase underscores the consequences of foolishness, which in biblical terms often refers to a rejection of God's wisdom and guidance. "Fools" in the Proverbs are those who are morally deficient and refuse to heed instruction. The phrase "die for lack of judgment" suggests that their inability to make wise decisions leads to their downfall. This is consistent with the broader biblical theme that wisdom leads to life, while folly leads to death, as seen inProverbs 14:12: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Culturally, in the ancient Near East, wisdom was highly valued, and the lack of it was seen as a path to ruin. This serves as a warning to seek wisdom and understanding, which are found in a relationship with God. The ultimate fulfillment of wisdom is found in Jesus Christ, who is described as the "wisdom of God" in1 Corinthians 1:24, offering life to those who follow Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The RighteousIn the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live according to God's wisdom and commandments. They are characterized by their integrity, moral uprightness, and alignment with God's will.
2.
FoolsBiblically, fools are those who reject wisdom and instruction. They are often depicted as lacking discernment and understanding, leading to destructive choices.
3.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs are intended to impart practical and spiritual wisdom.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.
5.
Wisdom LiteratureA genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical and ethical living according to divine principles.
Teaching Points
The Power of Righteous SpeechThe words of the righteous have the power to nourish and sustain others spiritually and emotionally. Consider how your words can be a source of encouragement and wisdom to those around you.
The Consequences of FoolishnessFools suffer due to their lack of discernment and wisdom. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be ignoring wise counsel and the potential consequences of such actions.
Pursuing Godly WisdomSeek to cultivate a heart of wisdom by immersing yourself in Scripture and prayer. This will naturally lead to speech that edifies and builds up others.
The Responsibility of InfluenceRecognize the influence your words have on others. As believers, we are called to be salt and light, using our speech to reflect God's truth and love.
Judgment and DiscernmentDevelop discernment by aligning your thoughts and actions with biblical principles. This will help you avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and make decisions that honor God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:21?
2.How can we ensure our words "nourish many" as Proverbs 10:21 suggests?
3.What does Proverbs 10:21 teach about the power of wise speech?
4.How does Proverbs 10:21 connect with James 3:1-12 on controlling the tongue?
5.In what ways can we avoid being "fools" who "die for lack of judgment"?
6.How can Proverbs 10:21 guide our conversations in daily life?
7.How does Proverbs 10:21 define the role of the righteous in guiding others?
8.What does Proverbs 10:21 suggest about the power of words in spiritual leadership?
9.How does Proverbs 10:21 contrast the outcomes for the wise and the foolish?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10?
11.Proverbs 10:3 claims God prevents the righteous from going hungry--how do we reconcile this with starving believers throughout history?
12.Who is a ransom for whom? Mark 10:45 and I Timothy 2:5-6 say Christ is a ransom for many/all. Proverbs 21:18 says the wicked is a ransom for the righteous.
13.Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?
14.What does 'quick to listen, slow to speak' mean?What Does Proverbs 10:21 Mean
Setting the scene“The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment” (Proverbs 10:21). Nestled in a chapter of sharp contrasts, this proverb sets life-giving words against deadly foolishness. It invites us to watch our speech, value sound judgment, and realize that every sentence we utter carries either nourishment or poison (Proverbs 18:21).
The lips of the righteous• A righteous person’s mouth is connected to a heart aligned with God (Luke 6:45).
• Earlier in the chapter we read, “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11).
• When God rules the heart, speech naturally blesses others, echoing Paul’s call: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29).
• Righteous lips also speak truth, mirroring the King’s delight in “righteous lips” (Proverbs 16:13).
Feed many• “Feed” pictures nourishing souls much like bread sustains bodies—“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
• Spiritual feeding happens through:
– Encouragement (Proverbs 12:25).
– Correction done in love (Proverbs 27:6).
– Teaching the Scriptures so “the word of Christ may dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).
• Jesus told Peter, “Feed My lambs” (John 21:15). Righteous lips join that same mission.
But fools die• The proverb pivots abruptly: where wise speech gives life, foolishness courts death.
• “A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul” (Proverbs 18:7).
• Spiritual death is the endpoint of unrepentant folly, reflectingHosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
For lack of judgment• Judgment here refers to discernment—the ability to choose God’s way (Proverbs 1:7).
• Fools ignore counsel (Proverbs 12:15) and resist correction (Proverbs 15:32).
• Without sound judgment they wander into moral and eternal disaster, fulfilling the warning, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
Putting it into practice• Store up Scripture so your mouth overflows with life (Psalm 119:11).
• Weigh every word: Will it edify or erode? (Colossians 4:6).
• Seek godly counsel to sharpen discernment (Proverbs 13:20).
• Aim for speech that reflects Christ’s grace and truth, becoming a conduit of daily bread to “many.”
summaryProverbs 10:21 delivers a clear choice. Righteous lips, saturated with God’s Word, become spiritual bread for a hungry world. Foolish lips, empty of discernment, lead their owners to ruin. Choose the path of wisdom: fill your heart with truth, let your speech nourish others, and watch God use your words to spread life.
(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.
Verse 21. -
Feed many. The righteous by wise counsel teach, support, and guide others (
Ecclesiastes 12:11;
Jeremiah 3:15). So the clergy are the shepherds of their flocks (
John 21:15;
Acts 20:28;
1 Peter 5:2). The LXX. has a different reading, "know high things."
Fools die for want of wisdom. Far from "feeding" others, they bring ruin on themselves (
Proverbs 5:23). Others translate, "die through one who wanteth understanding;" but if the Hebrew will bear this rendering, it is obvious that fools need no guide to their fall; their fate is a natural result. In this case the meaning must be that the foolish man involves others in destruction. But it is best to translate as the Authorized Version.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The lipsשִׂפְתֵ֣י(śip̄·ṯê)Noun - fdc
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a marginof the righteousצַ֭דִּיק(ṣad·dîq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteousfeedיִרְע֣וּ(yir·‘ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7462:To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate withmany,רַבִּ֑ים(rab·bîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatbut foolsוֶֽ֝אֱוִילִ֗ים(we·’ĕ·wî·lîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 191:Foolishdieיָמֽוּתוּ׃(yā·mū·ṯū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4191:To die, to killfor lackבַּחֲסַר־(ba·ḥă·sar-)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2638:Needy, lacking, in want ofof judgment.לֵ֥ב(lêḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many (Prov. Pro Pr) 
