When we speak words rooted in righteousness, we help others thrive.
“The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of understanding.” (Proverbs 10:21)
In this proverb, the imagery of “feeding many” suggests righteous words have a nurturing effect on those who receive them, much like life-giving sustenance. Righteous people draw from a heart anchored in God’s wisdom, allowing their speech to offer encouragement, instruction, and godly insight. This stands in contrast to the destructive impact of foolish speech, where individuals do not benefit themselves or others. Ultimately, the lips of the righteous become a source of abundant nourishment for a community, reflecting their sincere pursuit of God’s ways.
Meanwhile, the fool’s predicament is starkly described as perishing “for lack of understanding.” Lack of understanding can indicate the absence of the Hebrew concept of “tebûnâ,” which refers to the ability to discern between truth and falsehood. This deficiency hampers wise choices and leads to harmful consequences. When someone lacks the humility and diligence to seek wisdom, they inevitably cause harm to themselves and waste opportunities to share life-giving words with others.
Taking these ideas together, Proverbs 10:21 highlights both the tremendous power of words and the necessity of godly understanding. The righteous, grounded in wisdom, impact their circles for good, while the fool struggles in the ruin of shortsighted and unwise decisions.
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Proverbs 10:21 meaning
“The lips of the righteous feed many,
But fools die for lack of understanding.” (Proverbs 10:21)
In this proverb, the imagery of “feeding many” suggests righteous words have a nurturing effect on those who receive them, much like life-giving sustenance. Righteous people draw from a heart anchored in God’s wisdom, allowing their speech to offer encouragement, instruction, and godly insight. This stands in contrast to the destructive impact of foolish speech, where individuals do not benefit themselves or others. Ultimately, the lips of the righteous become a source of abundant nourishment for a community, reflecting their sincere pursuit of God’s ways.
Meanwhile, the fool’s predicament is starkly described as perishing “for lack of understanding.” Lack of understanding can indicate the absence of the Hebrew concept of “tebûnâ,” which refers to the ability to discern between truth and falsehood. This deficiency hampers wise choices and leads to harmful consequences. When someone lacks the humility and diligence to seek wisdom, they inevitably cause harm to themselves and waste opportunities to share life-giving words with others.
Taking these ideas together, Proverbs 10:21 highlights both the tremendous power of words and the necessity of godly understanding. The righteous, grounded in wisdom, impact their circles for good, while the fool struggles in the ruin of shortsighted and unwise decisions.