Proverbs 10:21
Proverbs 10:21 in Multiple Translations
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for lack of understanding.
The lips of the upright man give food to men, but the foolish come to death for need of sense.
Advice from good people helps feed many others, but stupid people die because they have no sense.
The lippes of the righteous doe feede many: but fooles shall die for want of wisedome.
The lips of the righteous delight many, And fools for lack of heart die.
The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding.
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
The lips of the just teach many: but they that are ignorant, shall die in the want of understanding.
What righteous people say [MTY] benefits many people, but foolish people die because of the stupid things that they do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 10:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
צַ֭דִּיק
יִרְע֣וּ
רַבִּ֑ים
וֶֽ֝/אֱוִילִ֗ים
בַּ/חֲסַר
לֵ֥ב
יָמֽוּתוּ
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
יִרְע֣וּ
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
רַבִּ֑ים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
וֶֽ֝/אֱוִילִ֗ים
ʼĕvîyl
H191
fool(ish)
Conj | Adj
בַּ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
lacking
Prep | Adj
לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
יָמֽוּתוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:21
שִׂפְתֵ֣י
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
יִרְע֣וּ
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
רַבִּ֑ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
וֶֽ֝/אֱוִילִ֗ים
ʼĕvîyl
H191
"fool(ish)"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for a foolish person, someone who despises wisdom or mocks when guilty. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are quarrelsome or licentious. The KJV translates it as 'fool' or 'foolish man'.
Definition: 1) be foolish, foolish 1a) (subst) 1a1) of one who despises wisdom 1a2) of one who mocks when guilty 1a3) of one who is quarrelsome 1a4) of one who is licentious
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish) (man). See also: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 107:17.
בַּ/חֲסַר
châçêr
H2638
"lacking"
Prep | Adj
Being in need or lacking something is what this word means. It describes a state of poverty or want, often used to describe people who are struggling. The Bible talks about lack and need in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: in need of, lacking, needy, in want of
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: destitute, fail, lack, have need, void, want. See also: 1 Samuel 21:16; Proverbs 10:21; Proverbs 6:32.
לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
יָמֽוּתוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:21
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:21
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
19When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
21The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
22The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it. 23The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 4:6 | My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. |
| 2 | Proverbs 17:16 | Why should the fool have money in his hand with no intention of buying wisdom? |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:29 | For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 12:9–10 | Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth. |
| 5 | Job 4:3–4 | Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands. Your words have steadied those who stumbled; you have braced the knees that were buckling. |
| 6 | Matthew 13:19 | When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. |
| 7 | Proverbs 15:4 | A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. |
| 8 | Job 29:21–22 | Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my counsel. After my words, they spoke no more; my speech settled on them like dew. |
| 9 | Proverbs 5:23 | He dies for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. |
| 10 | Proverbs 1:31 | So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. |
Proverbs 10:21 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we speak wisely and kindly, we can help and bless many people, just like food nourishes our bodies. On the other hand, when we speak foolishly or without thinking, we can hurt ourselves and others. As it says in Proverbs 18:21, the power of life and death is in the tongue, and we should seek to use our words to build others up, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the lips of the righteous to 'feed many'?
This means that the words of a righteous person can nourish and bless many others, as seen in Ephesians 4:29, where we are encouraged to speak words that build others up.
How do fools 'die for lack of judgment'?
This phrase suggests that those who lack wisdom and discernment can ultimately suffer harm or destruction, as warned in Proverbs 5:23, where a lack of judgment leads to being held captive by one's own sin.
Is this verse saying that only the righteous can speak wisely?
While it's true that the righteous are more likely to speak words of wisdom, this verse is highlighting the contrast between the beneficial speech of the righteous and the destructive lack of judgment in fools, as also seen in James 1:5, where we are encouraged to ask for wisdom.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
By seeking to speak words that are wise, kind, and nourishing to others, as encouraged in Colossians 4:6, and by seeking wisdom and discernment in our own decision-making, as encouraged in Proverbs 2:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can use my words to 'feed many' and bless those around me?
- How can I cultivate wisdom and discernment in my own life, so that I am not lacking in judgment?
- What are some areas where I may be speaking foolishly or lacking in judgment, and how can I seek to change this?
- How can I balance speaking the truth with speaking words that are kind and nourishing to others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many,.... Not their bodies; words are but wind, and will not feed; it is not enough to say to the distressed, "be ye warmed and filled", and give nothing; unless this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:21
Feed many, by their wise and pious discourses, counsels, and comforts, which are so many evidences of their wisdom. Die for want of wisdom; they have not wisdom to feed or preserve themselves, much less to feed others.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:21
Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.Ver. 21. The lips of the righteous feed many.] A great housekeeper he is, hath his doors ever open, and, though himself be poor, yet he "maketh many rich." He well knows that to this end God put "honey and milk under his tongue," that he might look to this spiritual lip feeding. To this end hath he communicated to him those "rivers of water," that they may flow from him, to quench that world of wickedness that, being "set on fire of hell, would set on fire the whole course of nature." They are "empty vines that bear fruit to themselves." Those are void houses, we say, where the doors daily open not. The people hung upon - εξεκρεματο - our Saviour’ s lips as the young bird doth on the dam’ s bill. Bishop Ridley preached every Lord’ s day and holiday, except letted by some weighty business, to whose sermons the people resorted, saith Master Foxe, swarming about him like bees, and coveting the sweet juice of his gracious discourses. Look how Joseph nourished his father’ s household with bread, "according to their families," or "according to the mouths of their families" So doth the righteous man those of his own charge especially. Welfare Popery for that, saith a grave divine. I have heard old folks talk, that when in those days they had holy bread, as they called it, given them at church, they would bear a part of it to those that did abide at home. So should heads of families carry home the bread of life to their households. But fools die for want of wisdom.] By their either refusing or abusing the food of their souls As the Pharisees, they "pine away in their iniquities." Acts and Mon., fol. 1559.
Chepi tappam. Mr Sam. Hier.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:21
(21) The lips of the righteous feed many—i.e., sustain them by words of counsel, encouragement, and comfort, giving to each one his “meat in due season “(Matthew 24:45). Fools.—Headstrong, obstinate persons (Proverbs 1:7). For want of wisdom.—Or it may be translated, “Through one who is destitute of wisdom.” As one righteous man will guide many aright, so one unwise man will lead many fools to ruin.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:21
21. feed] In the wider sense perhaps which the word commonly has, supply the wants of, as a shepherd does.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:21
Feed - The Hebrew word, like ποιμαίνειν poimainein, includes the idea of guiding as well as nourishing; doing a shepherd’s work in both.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:21
21. Feed many — Instruct them with their wisdom and guiding counsels. But fools — The unwise. With the wise there is abundance, with the unwise, famine.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Biblical Manhood) -Evening Banquet by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the upbringing of his young children and acknowledges his own shortcomings. He emphasizes the importance of studying and |
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(Biblical Manhood) -Morning Brunch by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a godly example to our children. He shares his desire for his son to see him on his knees, weeping with joy about Jes |
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"Too Intense?" "Radical?" by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young |
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A Message for America and Its Cultural Religion by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the times we live in and the need for spiritual discernment. He mentions a gathering of churches in New York |
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Forsaking God by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having knowledge and understanding of God's Word. He quotes Hosea 4:6, which states that God's people are disturbed for la |
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Biblical Courtship Session #2: The Parent's Responsibility in the Home by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we cannot make ourselves love God more through our own efforts. Just as we do nothing to make a beautiful sunset take our breath away, w |
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Biblical Courtship Session #4 - the When of Biblical Courtship by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living every moment of our lives for the glory of God. He highlights that simply acquiring knowledge and principles without |