Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that the proverb is using the word "nourish" in a spiritual or intellectual sense, rather than referring to physical sustenance. Various translations or renderings of the text of the verse on the biblehub.com website convey this by the use of alternate words such as "encourage", "guide", "instruct", and "teach" to describe the beneficial effect of the righteous or wise person's words on others.

May 13 2021 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Proverbs 10:21 (NIV) says:
"The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense."

The phrase "the lips of the righteous nourish many" means that the words of a wise, godly person bring life, wisdom, encouragement, and instruction to others. Here’s how our words can do that:

1. Speaking Truth in Love

Righteous words align with God’s truth and are spoken with love (Ephesians 4:15).

Encouraging others with Scripture and godly wisdom builds them up (Colossians 3:16). --

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

2. Offering Encouragement and Hope

Words can strengthen the weary and uplift the brokenhearted (Isaiah 50:4). -- 

"The Lord God has given me
the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
he awakens my ear
to hear as those who are taught."

Speaking life instead of negativity can inspire faith and endurance (Proverbs 15:23).

3. Giving Wise Counsel

Sharing wisdom and experience helps others make sound decisions (Proverbs 15:7).

Advising in ways that lead to righteousness rather than destruction nourishes the soul.

4. Teaching and Discipling Others

Whether through preaching, teaching, or personal mentoring, righteous words help others grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2). -- "and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

Parents, mentors, and leaders especially have the role of instructing in wisdom (Proverbs 22:6).

5. Bringing Peace and Reconciliation

Words that defuse anger and promote unity bring healing (Proverbs 15:1).

Peacemaking words reflect Christ’s heart and restore relationships (Matthew 5:9).

6. Warning Against Sin and Destruction

A righteous person isn’t afraid to speak truth that convicts and warns (Ezekiel 3:18-19).

Words that redirect someone from sin toward God’s way bring eternal nourishment. Our words have power! If they are rooted in righteousness and wisdom, they will "nourish many" by pointing people to Christ, strengthening their faith, and guiding them toward a godly life.

6 hours ago • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report