Proverbs 10:20

Translation
King James Version
¶ The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
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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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The tongue of the righteous is like pure silver, but the mind of the wicked is worth little.
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Berean Standard Bible
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
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American Standard Version
The tongue of the righteous isaschoice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth.
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World English Bible Messianic
The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The tongue of the iust man is as fined siluer: but the heart of the wicked is litle worth.
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Young's Literal Translation
The tongue of the righteous is chosen silver, The heart of the wicked--as a little thing.
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See also
Genesis 6:5Proverbs 12:18Jeremiah 17:9Genesis 8:21Proverbs 16:13Proverbs 15:4Matthew 12:34
In the KJVVerse 16,677 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 10:20 masterfully employs antithetical parallelism to contrast the profound value of speech from a righteous person with the utter worthlessness of the inner being of the wicked. It asserts that the words of the just are as pure and precious as refined silver, reflecting an integrity rooted in God, while the heart of the wicked is intrinsically devoid of true spiritual or lasting worth, revealing a core character estranged from divine wisdom and goodness. This proverb underscores that genuine value originates from a transformed heart, influencing every outward expression, especially one's words.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 10 marks a significant transition in the book, initiating a lengthy collection of individual, often two-line, wisdom sayings primarily attributed to Solomon (chapters 10-22). Unlike the longer, thematic discourses of chapters 1-9, these proverbs are largely independent, though they collectively reinforce core themes. Proverbs 10:20 is a prime example of antithetical parallelism, a hallmark of this section, where the second line presents a sharp contrast to the first. This structure effectively highlights the moral and spiritual dichotomy between the righteous and the wicked, a central concern throughout the entire book of Proverbs. By juxtaposing the "tongue of the just" with the "heart of the wicked," and their respective values, the proverb clearly delineates the paths of wisdom and folly, emphasizing that outward expression is deeply tied to inner character, a recurring motif in this collection of Solomon's proverbs, particularly within Proverbs 10-15.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israelite society, speech held immense power and significance, often viewed as an extension of one's very being and destiny. Words were not merely sounds but were believed to carry spiritual weight, capable of blessing or cursing, building or destroying. A person's reputation and social standing were intimately linked to the integrity and wisdom of their spoken words. Silver, particularly "choice silver" (Hebrew: keçeph bâchar), was a highly prized commodity, serving as a primary form of currency, a measure of wealth, and a symbol of purity and enduring value, often refined through fire to remove impurities. The Hebrew concept of the "heart" (lêb) was far more expansive than the modern English understanding, encompassing the totality of a person's inner life: their intellect, will, emotions, conscience, and moral core. Therefore, the proverb speaks to a culture that intrinsically understood the profound connection between one's inner character and their outward expressions, especially through speech, and recognized the metaphor of refined metals for spiritual purity and worth.
  • Key Themes: This proverb powerfully contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it emphasizes the profound value and transformative power of righteous speech. Words from a just person are portrayed as precious and pure, capable of imparting wisdom, truth, and life, reflecting the divine standard of communication. Secondly, it underscores the inseparable link between inner character and outward manifestation, particularly through verbal expression. The proverb asserts that the quality and spiritual worth of one's words are a direct reflection of the condition of their heart, reinforcing the biblical truth that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks," as taught by Jesus in Matthew 12:34. Finally, it highlights the fundamental and irreconcilable contrast between righteousness and wickedness, a pervasive theme in wisdom literature. It demonstrates that the path of the righteous yields valuable, life-giving outcomes, while the way of the wicked, despite any superficial allure, ultimately leads to emptiness and futility, reflecting the inherent moral bankruptcy of a heart estranged from God, a truth echoed throughout the wisdom tradition, such as in Proverbs 4:18-19.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Tongue (Hebrew, lâshôwn', H3956): This term literally refers to the anatomical organ of speech but is consistently used metonymically in Scripture to represent the act of speaking, the content of speech, or even the language itself. In Proverbs 10:20, "tongue" signifies the verbal output—the words, counsel, and communication—of the "just" person. Its association with "choice silver" elevates speech from a mere physical function to a spiritual and moral expression of immense value and purity.
  • Choice (Hebrew, bâchar', H977): This root verb means "to choose," "to select," or "to test." When applied to "silver," it denotes silver that has undergone a process of refinement, testing, and purification, resulting in the highest quality, free from dross or impurities. This implies that the words of the just are not casual or common, but are carefully considered, inherently pure, and valuable, having been "tested" by truth and righteousness, reflecting a discerning and upright character.
  • Heart (Hebrew, lêb', H3820): In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is the comprehensive center of a person's inner being, encompassing intellect, will, emotions, conscience, and moral decision-making. It is the seat of one's 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 and their moral compass—is inherently deficient in worth.

Verse Breakdown

  • "The tongue of the just is as choice silver:": This clause declares the immeasurable value and pristine purity of the words spoken by an individual who is righteous, upright, and in right standing with God. Just as "choice silver"—silver that has been refined, purified, and found to be of the highest quality—is precious, enduring, and highly esteemed, so too are the words emanating from the just. Their speech is characterized by truthfulness, integrity, wisdom, and grace, offering lasting benefit, sound counsel, and reflecting the pure character of the speaker. These words are not trivial, deceptive, or fleeting, but substantial, trustworthy, and spiritually enriching.
  • "the heart of the wicked is little worth.": In stark and powerful contrast, this clause reveals the profound emptiness, insignificance, and spiritual bankruptcy of the wicked person's inner being. The "heart" here represents the very core of their character, their intentions, desires, and moral disposition. Because their heart is corrupted by unrighteousness, rebellion against God, or a lack of spiritual discernment, 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), signifying that it is insignificant, of little account, or even worthless, emphasizing its spiritual futility and lack of any redeeming quality from a divine perspective.

Literary Devices

Proverbs 10:20 is a masterclass in concise communication, employing several potent literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is Antithetical Parallelism, where the two clauses present a direct and opposing contrast: "the tongue of the just" is set against "the heart of the wicked," and the immense value of "choice silver" is juxtaposed with the emptiness of "little worth." This structure powerfully highlights the moral dichotomy between righteousness and wickedness, emphasizing that their respective outcomes (valuable speech versus a worthless heart) are diametrically opposed. A clear 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 effectively employed, 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, demonstrating that the source determines the value.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical teaching that speech is not merely a functional tool but a profound 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 and a right relationship with Him, as declared in Proverbs 9:10. Conversely, the "little worth" of the wicked heart underscores the theological principle that apart from God, human intentions and actions are inherently flawed, corrupted by sin, and ultimately without lasting spiritual value. The proverb implicitly points to the divine standard of purity and worth, suggesting that only what originates from a righteous source—a heart transformed by God—can possess true value in His economy. It foreshadows New Testament teachings on the accountability for every word spoken and the profound, inseparable connection between the heart and the mouth, emphasizing that spiritual fruitfulness stems from an inner spiritual reality.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Proverbs 10:20 serves as a profound call to deep introspection and intentional living for believers today. It challenges us to examine not only the words we speak but, more importantly, the spiritual condition of the heart from which those words originate. If our "tongue" is to truly be "as choice silver"—pure, valuable, edifying, and reflective of divine wisdom—then our "heart" must be diligently cultivated in righteousness, continually cleansed by God's grace, and progressively transformed by His indwelling Spirit. This requires an active pursuit of holiness, consistent meditation on God's Word, and a willingness to allow His truth to penetrate and shape our innermost being. When our hearts are aligned with God's will and character, our speech will naturally reflect His wisdom, grace, and truth, becoming a consistent source of life, encouragement, and blessing to others. Conversely, the proverb issues a stark warning against the danger of a heart that is "little worth," reminding us that superficial godliness, outwardly impressive words, or even seemingly good deeds cannot compensate for an unregenerate, unrepentant, or self-serving inner life. Our words carry immense power—power to build up or tear down, to bring light or darkness, to honor God or dishonor Him. Therefore, we are called to weigh our words carefully, ensuring they are consistently pure, beneficial, and reflective of a heart fully devoted to Christ.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the consistent quality of my speech reflect the current spiritual condition of my heart?
  • In what specific, practical ways can I cultivate a heart that consistently produces "choice silver" words, rather than words of "little worth"?
  • Considering the proverb's emphasis on the "little worth" of the wicked heart, what steps can I take to ensure my deepest intentions and motivations are continually purified and 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 both the source and the manifestation of true 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 directly addresses 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. This contrast powerfully emphasizes that the internal moral condition dictates the external value, and the wicked heart's worthlessness is absolute, as Jesus taught in Matthew 15:18-19.

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, which is a continuous process of spiritual growth and dependence on God. Practically, this involves regularly engaging with God's Word to renew your mind, consistently praying for wisdom, discernment, and self-control, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your desires and intentions from within. Before speaking, it is crucial to consider if your words are true, kind, necessary, and helpful, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29. Seek to speak words that build up, encourage, and bring grace to those who hear, reflecting the character of Christ. This is a lifelong discipline rooted in a deep and abiding relationship with the Lord, as our words ultimately reveal what is stored in our hearts.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Proverbs 10:20 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "just" one, whose "tongue" was always, without exception, "choice silver." Unlike any human, His heart was flawlessly pure, utterly without sin, and perfectly aligned with the Father's will in every thought, intention, and desire, as affirmed in Hebrews 4:15. Consequently, every word He spoke was pure truth, overflowing with grace, and inherently life-giving, possessing infinite value and unparalleled spiritual power. His teachings, His pronouncements of forgiveness, His authoritative commands, and His intercessory prayers were all perfect expressions of a perfectly righteous heart, truly "choice silver" in every conceivable sense. In stark contrast, the "heart of the wicked" finds its most profound worthlessness in its rejection of Christ, who is the very source of all life, truth, and genuine worth. Yet, it is precisely through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross that the "little worth" of the wicked, sinful heart can be utterly transformed. By His Holy Spirit, believers are miraculously given a new heart and a new spirit, as promised in Ezekiel 36:26, 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, as we are called to let our speech always be gracious and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). Jesus is the divine standard by which all speech and all hearts are measured, and He is the sole means by which our hearts can be made worthy and our tongues can speak words of eternal value for God's glory.

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Commentary on Proverbs 10 verses 20–21

We are here taught how to value men, not by their wealth and preferment in the world, but by their virtue.

I. Good men are good for something. Though they may be poor and low in the world, and may not have power and riches to do good with, yet, as long as they have a mouth to speak, that will make them valuable and useful, and upon that account we must honour those that fear the Lord, because out of the good treasure of their heart they bring forth good things. 1. This makes them valuable: The tongue of the just is as choice silver; they are sincere, freed from the dross of guile and evil design. God's words are compared to silver purified (Psa 12:6), for they may be relied on; and such are the words of just men. They are of weight and worth, and will enrich those that hear them with wisdom, which is better than choice silver. 2. It makes them useful: The lips of the righteous feed many; for they are full of the word of God, which is the bread of life, and that sound doctrine wherewith souls are nourished up. Pious discourse is spiritual food to the needy, to the hungry.

II. Bad men are good for nothing. 1. One can get no good by them: The heart of the wicked is little worth, and therefore that which comes out of the abundance of his heart cannot be worth much. His principles, his notions, his thoughts, his purposes, and all the things that fill him, and affect him, are worldly and carnal, and therefore of no value. He that is of the earth speaks of the earth, and neither understands nor relishes the things of God, Joh 3:31; Co1 2:14. The wicked man pretends that, though he does not talk of religion as the just do, yet he has it within him, and thanks God that his heart is good; but he that searches the heart here says the contrary: It is nothing worth. 2. One can do no good to them. While many are fed by the lips of the righteous, fools die for want of wisdom; and fools indeed they are to die for want of that which they might so easily come by. Fools die for want of a heart (so the word is); they perish for want of consideration and resolution; they have no heart to do any thing for their own good. While the righteous feed others fools starve themselves.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–21. Public domain.
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Shenoute the ArchimandriteAD 465
ON LANGUAGE
When I read the Proverbs today, I began with this sentence: “The tongue of the righteous is tried silver.” I said, If the tongue of the righteous is choice silver, the tongue of the wicked is most polluted. What is more choice or what is holier than the tongue of a man who uses it to confess and preach God and his Christ and to give him praise, but then also to read his laws and to meditate on them day and night, and also to speak every good word?
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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