Proverbs 10:20

KJV

¶ The tongue of the just [is as] choice silver: the heart of the wicked [is] little worth.

KJV (with Strong's)

The tongue {H3956} of the just {H6662} is as choice {H977} silver {H3701}: the heart {H3820} of the wicked {H7563} is little worth {H4592}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The tongue of the righteous is like pure silver, but the mind of the wicked is worth little.

Berean Standard Bible

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.

American Standard Version

The tongue of the righteous isaschoice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 10:20 presents a stark antithesis between the speech of the righteous and the inner character of the wicked, underscoring the profound value of words rooted in integrity and the utter emptiness of a heart estranged from God. It reveals that true worth is not merely in outward expression but in the moral and spiritual quality of the source—the heart—from which all words and actions flow, contrasting the preciousness of pure communication with the futility of a corrupted inner life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 10 marks a significant shift in the book, moving from the longer, sapiential discourses of chapters 1-9 to a collection of shorter, often two-line, independent proverbs attributed to Solomon. This chapter, in particular, is dominated by **antithetical parallelism**, a literary device where the second line contrasts with the first to highlight a moral or spiritual truth. Proverbs 10:20 perfectly exemplifies this, juxtaposing "the tongue of the just" with "the heart of the wicked" and their respective values ("choice silver" vs. "little worth"). This structure serves to clearly delineate between the path of wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, which is a central theme throughout the entire book of Proverbs, especially in this section ([Proverbs 10:1-22:16](/proverbs/10-1 "Proverbs 10:1 - The Proverbs of Solomon")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, speech was not merely a means of communication but a powerful force with tangible consequences, often viewed as an extension of one's character and destiny. A person's words could build or destroy, bless or curse, and were deeply intertwined with their reputation and standing in the community. Silver, specifically "choice silver," was a primary measure of wealth, purity, and enduring value, often used for currency, precious vessels, and adornments. The concept of the "heart" (Hebrew: *lêb*) in Hebrew thought was far more comprehensive than the modern English equivalent, encompassing not just emotions but also the intellect, will, conscience, and the very core of one's being. Thus, the proverb speaks to a culture that understood the profound connection between inner character and outward expression, particularly through the spoken word, and recognized the material value of refined metals as a metaphor for spiritual purity.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it emphasizes **the intrinsic value and power of speech**, asserting that words from a righteous person are as precious and pure as refined silver, capable of imparting wisdom, truth, and life. Secondly, it highlights the **inseparable link between inner character and outward expression**, particularly through communication. The proverb asserts that the quality of one's words is a direct reflection of the condition of their heart, reinforcing the idea that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" ([Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")). Finally, it underscores the **fundamental contrast between righteousness and wickedness**, a pervasive theme in Proverbs. It demonstrates that the righteous path leads to valuable, life-giving outcomes, while the wicked path, despite any superficial appearance, is ultimately devoid of true worth and leads to emptiness, reflecting the moral bankruptcy of the wicked heart itself, as seen throughout the wisdom literature ([Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Path of the Righteous and the Wicked")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_ H3956):** This term refers to the physical organ of speech but is frequently used metonymically to represent speech itself, language, or even the character of one's communication. In this context, it signifies the verbal output, the spoken words, and the manner of expression of the "just" person. Its connection to "choice silver" elevates speech beyond mere sound to something inherently valuable and pure.
* **Choice (Hebrew, _bâchar'_ H977):** This root verb means "to choose," "to select," or "to test." When applied to silver, it denotes silver that has been tried, refined, and found to be of the highest quality, free from impurities. It implies a deliberate process of purification, signifying that the words of the just are not accidental or common, but are pure, valuable, and carefully considered, having passed the test of truth and righteousness.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_ H3820):** In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is the comprehensive center of a person's being—the seat of intellect, will, emotions, conscience, and moral decision-making. It is the core identity from which all thoughts, intentions, and actions originate. The proverb contrasts the outward expression of the just (tongue) with the inner source of the wicked (heart), emphasizing that the wicked heart itself, the very essence of their being, is deficient in worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The tongue of the just is as choice silver:"** This clause declares the immense value and purity of the words spoken by a person who is righteous, upright, and in right standing with God. Just as "choice silver" (silver that has been refined and purified, free from dross) is precious, enduring, and highly valued, so too are the words of the just. They are characterized by truth, integrity, wisdom, and grace, offering lasting benefit and reflecting the pure character of the speaker. Their speech is not trivial, deceptive, or fleeting, but substantial and trustworthy.
* **"the heart of the wicked is little worth."** In stark contrast, this clause reveals the profound emptiness and insignificance of the wicked person's inner being. The "heart" here represents the core of their character, their intentions, desires, and moral compass. Because their heart is corrupted by unrighteousness and rebellion against God, everything that flows from it—including their speech, thoughts, and actions—is ultimately devoid of true, lasting value in God's sight. It is "little worth" (Hebrew: *mᵉʻaṭ*), meaning it is insignificant, of little account, or even worthless, emphasizing its spiritual bankruptcy and lack of any redeeming quality from a divine perspective.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 10:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the two clauses present a direct contrast: "the tongue of the just" is set against "the heart of the wicked," and "choice silver" is contrasted with "little worth." This structure powerfully highlights the moral dichotomy between righteousness and wickedness, emphasizing that their respective outcomes (valuable speech vs. worthless heart) are diametrically opposed. A **Simile** is used in the first clause ("is as choice silver"), directly comparing the quality of the righteous tongue to the preciousness and purity of refined silver, making the abstract concept of valuable speech tangible and understandable. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is at play, where "tongue" stands for the entire speech or communication of the just person, and "heart" represents the inner character, intentions, and moral core of the wicked individual. This allows the proverb to speak concisely about the outward manifestation of righteousness and the inward reality of wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical teaching that speech is a powerful indicator and outflow of one's inner spiritual condition. The "choice silver" of the just person's tongue reflects a heart purified by God's truth and aligned with His righteousness, demonstrating that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Conversely, the "little worth" of the wicked heart underscores the theological principle that apart from God, human intentions and actions are inherently flawed and without lasting spiritual value, leading to a life that is ultimately empty and futile. The proverb implicitly points to the divine standard of purity and worth, suggesting that only what originates from a righteous source can possess true value in God's economy. It also foreshadows New Testament teachings on the accountability for every word spoken and the profound connection between the heart and the mouth.

* [James 3:6](/james/3-6 "James 3:6 - The Tongue as a Fire")
* [Psalm 12:6](/psalms/12-6 "Psalm 12:6 - The Words of the Lord are Pure")
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 10:20 serves as a profound call to introspection and intentional living for believers today. It challenges us to examine not only the words we speak but, more importantly, the condition of the heart from which those words originate. If our "tongue" is to be "as choice silver"—pure, valuable, and edifying—then our "heart" must be cultivated in righteousness, cleansed by God's grace, and continually transformed by His Spirit. This means actively pursuing holiness, meditating on God's Word, and allowing His truth to shape our innermost being. When our hearts are aligned with God, our speech will naturally reflect His wisdom, grace, and truth, becoming a source of life and blessing to others. Conversely, the proverb warns against the danger of a heart that is "little worth," reminding us that superficial godliness or outwardly impressive words cannot compensate for an unregenerate or unrepentant inner life. Our words have power—power to build up or tear down, to bring light or darkness. Therefore, we are called to weigh our words carefully, ensuring they are consistently pure, beneficial, and reflective of a heart devoted to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the quality of my speech reflect the current condition of my heart?**
* **In what specific ways can I cultivate a heart that consistently produces "choice silver" words?**
* **Considering the "little worth" of the wicked heart, what practical steps can I take to ensure my intentions and motivations are aligned with God's righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Why does the proverb contrast the "tongue" of the just with the "heart" of the wicked?**

Answer: This specific contrast highlights the source and manifestation of worth. For the righteous person, their *tongue* (their outward expression, their speech) is valuable because their *heart* is righteous and produces good fruit. It's a statement about the *quality of their output*. For the wicked person, the proverb goes to the *source*—their *heart*—to declare its intrinsic worthlessness. This implies that no matter what the wicked person says or does, if their heart is corrupt, their actions and words will ultimately be "little worth" in God's eyes. It underscores that true value stems from an inner state of righteousness, and without it, even seemingly good actions or words lack ultimate spiritual significance. It's a powerful way to emphasize that the internal condition dictates the external value, and the wicked heart's worthlessness is absolute.

**How can I ensure my words are "choice silver" in daily life?**

Answer: Ensuring your words are "choice silver" begins with cultivating a "just" heart. This involves a continuous process of spiritual growth and dependence on God. Practically, it means regularly engaging with [God's Word](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart") to renew your mind, praying for wisdom and self-control, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your desires and intentions. Before speaking, consider if your words are true, kind, necessary, and helpful ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")). Seek to speak words that build up, encourage, and bring grace to those who hear, reflecting the character of Christ. It's a lifelong discipline rooted in a deep relationship with the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 10:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the perfectly "just" one whose "tongue" was always "choice silver." Unlike any human, His heart was flawlessly pure, without sin, and perfectly aligned with the Father's will ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Therefore, every word He spoke was truth, grace, and life-giving, possessing infinite value and spiritual power ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")). His teachings, His pronouncements of forgiveness, His commands, and His prayers were all expressions of a perfectly righteous heart, truly "choice silver" in every sense. In contrast, the "heart of the wicked" finds its most profound worthlessness in its rejection of Christ, the source of all life and truth. Yet, it is through Christ's atoning sacrifice that the "little worth" of the wicked heart can be transformed. By His Spirit, believers are given a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling them to walk in righteousness and, by extension, to speak words that are increasingly like "choice silver," reflecting the character of the One who indwells them ([Colossians 4:6](/colossians/4-6 "Colossians 4:6 - Speech with Grace")). Jesus is the standard by which all speech and all hearts are measured, and He is the means by which our hearts can be made worthy and our tongues can speak words of eternal value.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 6:5

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually.

Proverbs 12:18

¶ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.

Jeremiah 17:9

The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Genesis 8:21

And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

Proverbs 16:13

¶ Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

Proverbs 15:4

¶ A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.

Matthew 12:34

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.