Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. New Living Translation The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. English Standard Version The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. Berean Standard Bible The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. King James Bible The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. New King James Version The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom. New American Standard Bible The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding. NASB 1995 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding. NASB 1977 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding. Legacy Standard Bible The lips of the righteous feed many, But ignorant fools die for lack of a heart of wisdom. Amplified Bible The lips of the righteous feed and guide many, But fools [who reject God and His wisdom] die for lack of understanding. Christian Standard Bible The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. Holman Christian Standard Bible The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. American Standard Version The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for lack of understanding. Contemporary English Version Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity. English Revised Version The lips of the righteous feed many: but the foolish die for lack of understanding. GOD'S WORD® Translation The lips of a righteous person feed many, but stubborn fools die because they have no sense. Good News Translation A good person's words will benefit many people, but you can kill yourself with stupidity. International Standard Version What the righteous person says nourishes many, but fools die because they lack discerning hearts. NET Bible The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. New Heart English Bible The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding. Webster's Bible Translation The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. World English Bible The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe lips of the righteous delight many, "" And fools die for lack of heart. Young's Literal Translation The lips of the righteous delight many, And fools for lack of heart die. Smith's Literal Translation The lips of the just one shall feed many: and fools in wanting heart, shall die. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe lips of the just teach many: but they that are ignorant, shall die in the want of understanding. Catholic Public Domain Version The lips of the just instruct many. But those who are unlearned shall die in destitution of heart. New American Bible The lips of the just nourish many, but fools die for want of sense. New Revised Standard Version The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe lips of the righteous are full of mercy; but the fools die for want of wisdom. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The lips of the righteous multiply compassion and the insane will die in the deficiency of their mind. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for want of understanding. Brenton Septuagint Translation The lips of the righteous know sublime truths: but the foolish die in want. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son…20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth. 21The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. 22The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.… Cross References James 3:1-12 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. / We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. ... Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death. Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. Treasury of Scripture The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. feed Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. Job 4:3,4 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands… fools Proverbs 1:29,31 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: … Proverbs 5:12,23 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; … Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. wisdom Proverbs 17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? Jump to Previous Death Die Feed Food Foolish Fools Heart Judgment Lips Need Nourish Righteous Sense Understanding Upright Want WisdomJump to Next Death Die Feed Food Foolish Fools Heart Judgment Lips Need Nourish Righteous Sense Understanding Upright Want WisdomProverbs 10 1. Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vicesThe lips of the righteous feed many This 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 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. Fools Biblically, fools are those who reject wisdom and instruction. They are often depicted as lacking discernment and understanding, leading to destructive choices. 3. Solomon Traditionally 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 Israel The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction. 5. Wisdom Literature A 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 Foolishness Fools 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 Wisdom Seek 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 Influence Recognize 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 Discernment Develop 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, reflecting Hosea 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.” summary Proverbs 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 margin of the righteous צַ֭דִּיק (ṣad·dîq) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6662: Just, righteous feed יִרְע֣וּ (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 with many, רַבִּ֑ים (rab·bîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7227: Much, many, great but fools וֶֽ֝אֱוִילִ֗ים (we·’ĕ·wî·lîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 191: Foolish die יָמֽוּתוּ׃ (yā·mū·ṯū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 4191: To die, to kill for lack בַּחֲסַר־ (ba·ḥă·sar-) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2638: Needy, lacking, in want of of judgment. לֵ֥ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre Links Proverbs 10:21 NIVProverbs 10:21 NLT Proverbs 10:21 ESV Proverbs 10:21 NASB Proverbs 10:21 KJV Proverbs 10:21 BibleApps.com Proverbs 10:21 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 10:21 Chinese Bible Proverbs 10:21 French Bible Proverbs 10:21 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many (Prov. Pro Pr) |