Proverbs 10:21 Meaning and Explanation
“The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The righteous person's words nourish others, while fools perish from lack of wisdom.
The Context of Proverbs 10:21
The proverb shows how righteousness extends life to others while foolishness leads to self-destruction.
What Does Proverbs 10:21 Mean?
The lips of the righteous feed many—their words, counsel, and wisdom provide sustenance and life to those around them. A righteous person becomes a source of nourishment for their community.
Fools, by contrast, die for want of wisdom—they lack the understanding that would sustain them. This death may be literal or spiritual, the result of choosing foolishness over the wisdom that gives life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 10:21
What does Proverbs 10:21 mean?
The righteous person's words nourish others, while fools perish from lack of wisdom.
What is the context of Proverbs 10:21?
The proverb shows how righteousness extends life to others while foolishness leads to self-destruction.