Proverbs 10:21

KJV

The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

The lips {H8193} of the righteous {H6662} feed {H7462} many {H7227}: but fools {H191} die {H4191} for want {H2638} of wisdom {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

American Standard Version

The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for lack of understanding.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:21 presents a stark antithesis, contrasting the life-giving influence of the righteous with the self-destructive path of the foolish. It illuminates the profound impact of speech and the indispensable necessity of wisdom for true human flourishing, asserting that the words of the upright provide spiritual and intellectual nourishment to many, while those who reject understanding face dire, even fatal, consequences due to their chosen ignorance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10:21 is situated within the second major section of the book of Proverbs, specifically chapters 10-29, which largely comprise individual, pithy sayings attributed to Solomon. This particular verse exemplifies **antithetical parallelism**, a dominant literary feature in this section, where two lines express opposing ideas to highlight a moral or theological contrast. These proverbs are not necessarily arranged thematically but offer discrete, divinely inspired insights into virtuous living, ethical conduct, and the consequences of moral choices. They serve as practical wisdom for navigating daily life, often contrasting the fate of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, thereby guiding the reader toward a life aligned with God's will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from ancient Israel's wisdom tradition, a genre prevalent throughout the ancient Near East. In this cultural milieu, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a practical skill for living successfully and righteously in community, often rooted in observation of the natural world and human behavior. Education primarily occurred within the family and community, with elders imparting moral and practical instruction to the young. Speech held immense significance; words were believed to possess creative and destructive power. The concept of "fool" (`ʼĕvîyl`) in Proverbs is not merely someone lacking intelligence but a morally perverse individual who actively despises instruction and God's ways, choosing a path of self-destruction. The societal structure valued communal well-being, and the impact of an individual's words and actions on the broader community was a significant concern.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. It underscores the **power of the tongue** and the **moral responsibility of speech**, emphasizing that righteous words are a source of sustenance and guidance for others, aligning with the idea that [death and life are in the power of the tongue](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue"). Furthermore, it highlights the **vital importance of wisdom** for life and flourishing, presenting its absence not as a neutral state but as a fatal deficiency. The contrast between the "righteous" and "fools" reinforces the book's central preoccupation with **character formation** and the **dichotomy between wisdom and folly**, consistently portraying wisdom as the path to life and folly as the path to ruin, as seen in the foundational exhortations of [Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Call to Wisdom"). The verse also touches on the theme of **communal benefit versus individual destruction**, showing how the righteous contribute positively to society through their words, while fools bring about their own demise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feed (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** This word, from H7462, means "to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend)." In the context of "the lips of the righteous feed many," it conveys the idea of providing sustenance, guidance, and care, much like a shepherd nourishes and leads his flock. The words of the righteous are not just informative but are life-sustaining and nurturing.
* **fools (Hebrew, _ʼĕvîyl'_):** Derived from H191, this term describes someone who is "perverse" and "silly." In Proverbs, an `ʼĕvîyl` is not merely unintelligent but morally and spiritually deficient, characterized by an obstinate refusal to accept instruction or correction. Their foolishness is a chosen disposition that leads to self-destruction.
* **wisdom (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, `lêb` primarily means "the heart," but is used "figuratively very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect." While translated as "wisdom" in this verse, it carries the broader connotation of understanding, discernment, and intellectual capacity residing in the heart. Thus, "want of wisdom" implies a lack of proper discernment and moral understanding, leading to destructive choices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The lips of the righteous feed many:"** This clause metaphorically portrays the speech of the upright as a source of nourishment. "Lips" represent speech and communication. The "righteous" (`tsaddîyq`) are those who live in conformity with God's moral standards. Their words are not empty but are substantial, providing spiritual, moral, and practical sustenance to a multitude of people (`rab`). This "feeding" implies teaching, guiding, encouraging, and imparting truth that leads to life and well-being.
* **"but fools die for want of wisdom."** This clause presents a stark contrast, highlighting the fatal consequence of folly. "Fools" (`ʼĕvîyl`) are those who are morally perverse and resistant to instruction. They "die" (`mûwth`), which can signify not only physical death but also spiritual and moral ruin, a life devoid of true purpose and flourishing. This demise occurs "for want of wisdom" (`châçêr lêb`), meaning a lack of discernment, understanding, and the moral intelligence that springs from a heart open to God's truth. Their self-chosen ignorance leads to their downfall.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:21 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the first line presents a positive assertion about the righteous, and the second line contrasts it with a negative consequence for the foolish. This structure powerfully emphasizes the divergent outcomes of wisdom and folly. **Metaphor** is central to the first clause, as "lips" are depicted as a source of "feeding," likening wise speech to life-sustaining food or the nurturing care of a shepherd. This evokes a vivid image of words providing essential sustenance. The phrase "fools die" utilizes **Hyperbole** or **Metonymy**; while it can refer to literal death, it more broadly signifies spiritual, moral, and social ruin, indicating that a life without wisdom is effectively a living death. The entire verse functions as a **Proverb**, a concise, memorable saying that encapsulates a profound truth about human behavior and its consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 10:21 profoundly articulates the biblical emphasis on the transformative power of words and the critical nature of wisdom for human existence. The "feeding" by the lips of the righteous points to the divine nature of truth and instruction, which, when spoken by those aligned with God, brings life and nourishment to others. This echoes the concept that God's Word itself is life-giving and sustains those who heed it. Conversely, the "death" of fools due to a lack of wisdom underscores humanity's inherent need for divine guidance and the perilous consequences of rejecting it. It highlights that true wisdom is not merely intellectual but spiritual and moral, rooted in a right relationship with God, and its absence leads to a profound disconnect from life and flourishing.

* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")
* [Psalm 19:7-11](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7-11 - The Perfection of God's Law")
* [Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:21 serves as a powerful mirror for self-examination, prompting us to consider the profound impact of our words and the depth of our commitment to wisdom. Are our "lips" sources of life, truth, and encouragement, or do they contribute to confusion, despair, or foolishness? The call to "feed many" through righteous speech is a summons to intentional communication, where our words are carefully chosen to build up, instruct, and impart spiritual nourishment, reflecting the character of Christ. This requires not only speaking truth but speaking it in love, with discernment and grace. Simultaneously, the stark warning about "fools" who "die for want of wisdom" compels us to actively pursue wisdom as a lifeline. This pursuit begins with humility, a willingness to learn from God's Word, and a readiness to submit to His divine instruction, recognizing that true wisdom is a gift from above that safeguards us from destructive paths. It challenges us to examine any areas of our lives where we might be resisting truth or clinging to self-defeating patterns, urging us to embrace the life-giving principles of God's wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do my words "feed" or nourish those around me, and how can I be more intentional about using my speech for good?**
* **What specific areas of my life might indicate a "want of wisdom," and what steps can I take to cultivate greater discernment and understanding?**
* **How does my pursuit of wisdom reflect my dependence on God and His Word?**
* **Considering the communal aspect of "feeding many," what is my responsibility to share biblical wisdom with my family, friends, and community?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for "the lips of the righteous feed many"?**

Answer: This phrase uses a metaphor to describe the profound, positive impact of the words spoken by those who are morally upright and aligned with God's will. Just as food provides physical sustenance, the words of the righteous provide spiritual, intellectual, and moral nourishment. This "feeding" involves imparting truth, offering wise counsel, providing encouragement, teaching sound doctrine, and speaking life-giving words that guide others toward understanding, righteousness, and flourishing. It implies that their speech is edifying, constructive, and beneficial to a wide audience.

**Who are the "fools" mentioned in this proverb, and why do they "die for want of wisdom"?**

Answer: In the book of Proverbs, a "fool" (Hebrew: `ʼĕvîyl`) is not merely someone who lacks intelligence, but rather an individual who is morally perverse, obstinate, and resistant to instruction and correction. This type of fool actively despises wisdom and God's ways, choosing a path of self-will and ignorance. They "die" not necessarily in a literal, immediate physical sense, but in a broader, more profound way that encompasses spiritual, moral, and often practical ruin. Their lack of wisdom (`lêb`, meaning understanding or discernment of the heart) leads them to make destructive choices, resulting in a life devoid of true purpose, peace, and flourishing—effectively a living death. Their demise is a direct consequence of their chosen rejection of wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential Righteous One, whose "lips" truly "feed many" in an unparalleled way. As the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), Jesus embodies divine wisdom (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). His teachings, from the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount") to His parables, are not mere words but are "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")), providing eternal nourishment to all who believe. He declared Himself the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offering true sustenance that satisfies the deepest hunger of the soul. In stark contrast to the fools who "die for want of wisdom," humanity, apart from Christ, is indeed foolish and perishing. Jesus, however, offers Himself as the very wisdom of God, rescuing us from the spiritual death caused by our folly. Through His atoning sacrifice, He provides the ultimate wisdom that leads to eternal life, transforming those who were once fools into the righteous, enabling them to live by His life-giving words and, in turn, to feed others with the truth of the Gospel.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Proverbs 17:16

¶ Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?

Job 4:3

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

Job 4:4

Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.

Ecclesiastes 12:9

And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs.

Ecclesiastes 12:10

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and [that which was] written [was] upright, [even] words of truth.

Matthew 13:19

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.