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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, But ignorant fools die for lack of a heart <i>of wisdom</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed <i>and</i> guide many, But fools [who reject God and His wisdom] die for lack of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for lack of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many: but the foolish die for lack of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The lips of a righteous person feed many, but stubborn fools die because they have no sense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A good person's words will benefit many people, but you can kill yourself with stupidity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />What the righteous person says nourishes many, but fools die because they lack discerning hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The teaching of the righteous feeds many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous delight many, "" And fools die for lack of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The lips of the righteous delight many, And fools for lack of heart die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The lips of the just one shall feed many: and fools in wanting heart, shall die.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the just teach many: but they that are ignorant, shall die in the want of understanding. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The lips of the just instruct many. But those who are unlearned shall die in destitution of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the just nourish many, but fools die for want of sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous are full of mercy; but the fools die for want of wisdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous multiply compassion and the insane will die in the deficiency of their mind.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for want of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous know sublime <i>truths</i>: but the foolish die in want.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/10-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1814" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/10.htm">Solomon's Proverbs: The Wise Son</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śip̄·ṯê (N-fdc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">The lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">of the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: yir·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">feed</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">many,</a> <a href="/hebrew/191.htm" title="191: we·’ĕ·wî·lîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- Foolish. From an unused root; silly.">but fools</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mū·ṯū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">die</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: ba·ḥă·sar- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">for lack</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">of judgment.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-1.htm">James 3:1-12</a></span><br />Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. / We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a></span><br />But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Proverbs 15:4</a></span><br />A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-14.htm">Proverbs 13:14</a></span><br />The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning one from the snares of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7</a></span><br />The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a></span><br />A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4</a></span><br />The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12</a></span><br />The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Psalm 37:30</a></span><br />The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.</p><p class="hdg">feed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></b></br> There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise <i>is</i> health.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Proverbs 15:4</a></b></br> A wholesome tongue <i>is</i> a tree of life: but perverseness therein <i>is</i> a breach in the spirit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/4-3.htm">Job 4:3,4</a></b></br> Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands… </p><p class="hdg">fools</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-29.htm">Proverbs 1:29,31</a></b></br> For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-12.htm">Proverbs 5:12,23</a></b></br> And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">wisdom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Proverbs 17:16</a></b></br> Wherefore <i>is there</i> a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing <i>he hath</i> no heart <i>to it</i>?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/10-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-23.htm">Die</a> <a href="/psalms/81-16.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-3.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-5.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-15.htm">Need</a> <a href="/genesis/50-21.htm">Nourish</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-11.htm">Want</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Die</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Feed</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Need</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-27.htm">Nourish</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-24.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-24.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Want</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/10-1.htm">Proverbs of Solomon: observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The lips of the righteous feed many</b><br>This phrase highlights the power of words spoken by those who live in accordance with God's will. In biblical context, the "righteous" are those who follow God's commandments and live a life of integrity. Their words are nourishing, providing wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to others. This aligns with the biblical principle found in <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>, which states that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." The imagery of feeding suggests sustenance and growth, indicating that the righteous have a positive, life-giving impact on their community. Historically, in ancient Israel, wisdom was often passed down orally, making the spoken word a crucial means of instruction and moral guidance. This phrase can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate Righteous One, whose teachings and words have fed and continue to feed countless believers spiritually.<p><b>but fools die for lack of judgment</b><br>In contrast, this phrase underscores the consequences of foolishness, which in biblical terms often refers to a rejection of God's wisdom and guidance. "Fools" in the Proverbs are those who are morally deficient and refuse to heed instruction. The phrase "die for lack of judgment" suggests that their inability to make wise decisions leads to their downfall. This is consistent with the broader biblical theme that wisdom leads to life, while folly leads to death, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a>: "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Culturally, in the ancient Near East, wisdom was highly valued, and the lack of it was seen as a path to ruin. This serves as a warning to seek wisdom and understanding, which are found in a relationship with God. The ultimate fulfillment of wisdom is found in Jesus Christ, who is described as the "wisdom of God" in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a>, offering life to those who follow Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live according to God's wisdom and commandments. They are characterized by their integrity, moral uprightness, and alignment with God's will.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/fools.htm">Fools</a></b><br>Biblically, fools are those who reject wisdom and instruction. They are often depicted as lacking discernment and understanding, leading to destructive choices.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom. His proverbs are intended to impart practical and spiritual wisdom.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>A genre of biblical writing that includes Proverbs, focusing on practical and ethical living according to divine principles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_righteous_speech.htm">The Power of Righteous Speech</a></b><br>The words of the righteous have the power to nourish and sustain others spiritually and emotionally. Consider how your words can be a source of encouragement and wisdom to those around you.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_foolishness.htm">The Consequences of Foolishness</a></b><br>Fools suffer due to their lack of discernment and wisdom. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be ignoring wise counsel and the potential consequences of such actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_godly_wisdom.htm">Pursuing Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>Seek to cultivate a heart of wisdom by immersing yourself in Scripture and prayer. This will naturally lead to speech that edifies and builds up others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_influence.htm">The Responsibility of Influence</a></b><br>Recognize the influence your words have on others. As believers, we are called to be salt and light, using our speech to reflect God's truth and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_discernment.htm">Judgment and Discernment</a></b><br>Develop discernment by aligning your thoughts and actions with biblical principles. This will help you avoid the pitfalls of foolishness and make decisions that honor God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_proverbs_10_3_with_starving_believers.htm">Proverbs 10:3 claims God prevents the righteous from going hungry--how do we reconcile this with starving believers throughout history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_a_ransom_for_whom.htm">Who is a ransom for whom? Mark 10:45 and I Timothy 2:5-6 say Christ is a ransom for many/all. Proverbs 21:18 says the wicked is a ransom for the righteous.</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_disasters_affect_all_people.htm">Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_sexual_desires.htm">What does 'quick to listen, slow to speak' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">The lips of the righteous feed many--</span><span class= "ital">i.e., </span>sustain them by words of counsel, encouragement, and comfort, giving to each one his "meat in due season "(<a href="/matthew/24-45.htm" title="Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?">Matthew 24:45</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Fools.--</span>Headstrong, obstinate persons (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm" title="The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.">Proverbs 1:7</a>).<p><span class= "bld">For want of wisdom.</span>--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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Feed many.</span> The righteous by wise counsel teach, support, and guide others (<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:11</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/3-15.htm">Jeremiah 3:15</a>). So the clergy are the shepherds of their flocks (<a href="/john/21-15.htm">John 21:15</a>; <a href="/acts/20-28.htm">Acts 20:28</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2</a>). The LXX. has a different reading, "know high things." <span class="cmt_word">Fools die for want of wisdom.</span> Far from "feeding" others, they bring ruin on themselves (<a href="/proverbs/5-23.htm">Proverbs 5:23</a>). Others translate, "die through one who wanteth understanding;" but if the Hebrew will bear this rendering, it is obvious that fools need no guide to their fall; their fate is a natural result. In this case the meaning must be that the foolish man involves others in destruction. But it is best to translate as the Authorized Version. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/10-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂפְתֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(śip̄·ṯê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֭דִּיק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">feed</span><br /><span class="heb">יִרְע֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yir·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">many,</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but fools</span><br /><span class="heb">וֶֽ֝אֱוִילִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(we·’ĕ·wî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> </span><span class="str2">Foolish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">die</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמֽוּתוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mū·ṯū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for lack</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּחֲסַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥă·sar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> </span><span class="str2">Needy, lacking, in want of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of judgment.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/10-21.htm">Proverbs 10:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many (Prov. 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