The Last Lug Nut

(Proverbs 10:21 KJV)  The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

How does righteousness “feed” (7462a) people?  I could make a case for the literal, physical sense of the word.  It is the honest farmer and merchant that make it possible for the masses to eat well.  Look at countries that have tyrannical elites.  Think of North Korea.  Every picture you see of the leadership is filled with chubby, well fed people, yet the masses are starving to death.  Look at Venezuela.  I find it hard to believe that the top dogs are standing in line in front of empty stores. 

But the most frequent translation in both the NASB and KJV has to do with shepherding and pasturing the flocks.  It involves nurturing and caring for others.  This is the mark of the Christian in a position of authority or responsibility.  This is the glue that holds our society together.  It is a glue that is beginning to be dissolved by the pagan influences.  We are used to the idea of being salt and light, we are also glue.

So?  You may not feel you are in a position of importance but every nut and bolt has a job to do.  Sometimes it is one last lug bolt that keeps the wheel from coming off.  Be the last one doing your job if necessary.