Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
Original Language Analysis
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
The lips
H8193
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
The lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
1 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
יִרְע֣וּ
feed
H7462
יִרְע֣וּ
feed
Strong's:
H7462
Word #:
3 of 8
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
רַבִּ֑ים
many
H7227
רַבִּ֑ים
many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 8
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
Hosea 4:6My 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 17:16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?Proverbs 1:29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:Matthew 13:19When 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.Proverbs 15:4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.Job 23:12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.Proverbs 5:12And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;Proverbs 5:23He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.Proverbs 1:31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
Historical Context
Reflects covenant community where wise elders taught younger generations, providing spiritual sustenance through instruction. Lack of such teaching left people vulnerable to spiritual and practical ruin.
Questions for Reflection
- How is your speech feeding others spiritually versus leaving them malnourished?
- What wisdom do you currently lack that could prove fatal if not acquired?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for want of wisdom. Righteous speech provides spiritual nourishment benefiting many; fools perish from lack of understanding. The verb 'feed' (ra'ah - shepherd, pasture) suggests righteous persons pastor others through godly speech. In contrast, fools don't merely lack wisdom but die for want of it - ignorance is fatal. This establishes both the value of godly teaching and the danger of remaining foolish.