New Living Translation
Proverbs 10:21
21The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
Proverbs 10:21 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
- New International Version (NIV)The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.
- English Standard Version (ESV)The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
- New King James Version (NKJV)The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.
Context of Proverbs 10:21
19Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. 20The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. 22The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 23Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible.
Read all of Proverbs 10Proverbs 10:21 word by word
שִׂפְתֵ֣י צַ֭דִּיק יִרְע֣וּ רַבִּ֑ים וֶֽ֝אֱוִילִ֗ים בַּחֲסַר־לֵ֥ב יָמֽוּתוּ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 10:21
- Proverbs 12:18Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
- Proverbs 15:4Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
- Job 4:3“In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak.
- Job 23:12I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.
- Job 29:21“Everyone listened to my advice. They were silent as they waited for me to speak.
- Psalms 37:30The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong.
- Ecclesiastes 12:9Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them.
- Jeremiah 3:15And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.
- Jeremiah 15:16When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
- John 21:15After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
- 1 Peter 5:2Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
- Proverbs 1:29For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord.
- Proverbs 5:12You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
- Hosea 4:6My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children.
- Matthew 13:19The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts.
- John 3:19And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.
Commentaries on Proverbs 10:21
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 21Feed - The Hebrew word, like ́ poimainein includes the idea of guiding as well as nourishing; doing a shepherd‘s work in both. For want of wisdom - Some prefer, through him who wanteth understanding, referring to a person. The wise guides others to safety; the fool, empty-headed, and empty-hearted, involves others like himself in destruction.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 20-21Verses 20-21 The tongue of the just is sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy. Fools die for want of a heart, so the word is; for want of thought.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2121. Fools not only fail to benefit others, as do the righteous, but procure their own ruin (compare Pr 10:11, 17; Ho 4:6).Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 10:21
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 10
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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