Proverbs 10:21

Proverbs 10:21 is a concise proverb that sharply contrasts the life-giving influence of the wise with the self-destructive path of the foolish. It highlights the profound impact of speech and the vital necessity of wisdom for true flourishing.

Context

This verse is part of a larger collection of individual proverbs, primarily found in Proverbs chapters 10-15, often presenting antithetical parallelism where two lines express contrasting ideas. These proverbs serve as practical guidelines for living wisely and righteously, contrasting the outcomes of different choices and character traits. The book of Proverbs itself is part of the Bible's wisdom literature, offering divine insight into everyday life and moral conduct, often emphasizing the fear of the Lord as the foundation of all true knowledge and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 9:10.

Key Themes

• The Power of Righteous Speech: The phrase "The lips of the righteous feed many" emphasizes that the words spoken by those who are just and wise are not empty but are nourishing, instructive, and life-giving. They provide guidance, encouragement, and truth, much like food sustains the body. This spiritual and intellectual nourishment can lead others to understanding and righteousness.
• The Destructive Nature of Folly: In stark contrast, "fools die for want of wisdom" illustrates the fatal consequences of rejecting knowledge and truth. The "fool" (Hebrew: 'ewil) in Proverbs is not merely unintelligent but morally deficient, one who scorns instruction and lives contrary to God's ways. Their lack of wisdom leads to spiritual, moral, and often practical ruin, effectively a form of death even if physically alive.
• The Value of Wisdom: The verse implicitly underscores wisdom as essential for life and well-being. It is presented as a vital resource, the absence of which results in perishing. This aligns with other proverbs that extol wisdom as more precious than rubies, bringing long life and riches, as described in Proverbs 3:13-16.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "feed" in the first clause is ra'ah (רָעָה), which can mean to pasture, shepherd, tend, or associate with. It carries the connotation of providing sustenance, guidance, and care. Thus, the lips of the righteous are like a shepherd's care, nourishing and guiding others. The "fools" ('ewil, אֱוִיל) are those who are obstinate in their foolishness, resistant to correction, and ultimately self-destructive due to their chosen ignorance.

Practical Application

Proverbs 10:21 calls believers to consider the impact of their words and the pursuit of wisdom in their lives:

• Speak Life: Our words have immense power. Are our conversations, advice, and teachings nourishing to others? Do we use our speech to build up, encourage, and impart truth, or do we tear down and spread foolishness? This verse reminds us of the responsibility that comes with the gift of speech, echoing the sentiment that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21).
• Seek Wisdom Diligently: The consequence for "fools" serves as a severe warning. To avoid their fate, one must actively seek wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord and a willingness to learn from God's Word and wise counsel. This pursuit is not merely academic but a commitment to living according to divine principles.
• Recognize the Danger of Ignorance: The verse highlights that a lack of wisdom is not benign; it is fatal. It encourages self-reflection on areas where one might be resisting truth or choosing a path of ignorance, urging a turning towards discernment and understanding.

In essence, Proverbs 10:21 urges us to be channels of life-giving wisdom through our words and to diligently pursue wisdom ourselves, recognizing that spiritual and moral survival depends on it.