How can we ensure our words "nourish many" as Proverbs 10:21 suggests? The Meaning Behind the Verse Proverbs 10:21 says, “The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.” The Hebrew picture is of a shepherd providing pasture—words that supply nourishment, strength, and growth to those who hear. Rooted in a Righteous Heart • Righteous lips spring from a righteous heart (Luke 6:45). • True righteousness is received, not achieved—by faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Because the heart drives the tongue, daily repentance and surrender keep the “spring” pure (Psalm 51:10). Filling the Storehouse First • Meditate on Scripture: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). • Pray for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). • Guard intake: what enters the mind will flavor what exits the mouth (Philippians 4:8). Speaking to Edify, Not Erode Ephesians 4:29 provides the template: – Speak only what is “helpful for building up.” – Fit words to the moment’s need. – Aim that listeners “receive grace.” Other guiding texts • Proverbs 15:23 – timely word brings joy. • Colossians 4:6 – speech seasoned with salt. • 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – encourage and build one another up. Practical Habits That Shape Nourishing Words • Pause before speaking—quick to hear, slow to speak (James 1:19). • Replace complaints with thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4). • Use names; they dignify the listener (Isaiah 43:1). • Offer Scripture naturally: share a verse, not a lecture. • Affirm evidences of grace you see in others (Philemon 7). • Keep confidences—trust makes truth digestible (Proverbs 11:13). • Apologize promptly when words wound (Matthew 5:23-24). Guardrails Against Harmful Speech • Reject gossip (Proverbs 16:28). • Shun exaggeration and flattery (Proverbs 26:28). • Refuse coarse joking (Ephesians 5:4). • Never weaponize truth; speak it in love (Ephesians 4:15). Extending the Table—Nourishing “Many” • Home: read aloud, bless at meals, speak Scripture over children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Workplace: encourage diligence, commend integrity (Proverbs 27:17). • Church: greet newcomers, share testimonies, pray out loud for others (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Community: online posts, letters, texts—let digital words carry the same flavor of grace (Proverbs 12:18). The Promise to Hold When lips align with righteousness, God multiplies their impact: “A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water” (Proverbs 11:25). Speak to feed, and the Shepherd will ensure many are nourished—often far beyond what we can see. |
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