Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 10:21

"The lips of the righteous feed many; But the foolish die for lack of understanding." — Proverbs 10:21 (ASV)

The lips of the righteous feed many—that is, 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 correctly, so one unwise man will lead many fools to ruin.