King James Version

What Does Proverbs 10:20 Mean?

Proverbs 10:20 in the King James Version says “The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Proverbs 10:20 · KJV


Context

18

He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

19

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

20

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

21

The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom. of wisdom: Heb. of heart

22

The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The tongue of the just is as choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth. Righteous speech is precious and valuable like refined silver. Conversely, wicked hearts (and thus their speech flowing from hearts) are worthless. The contrast emphasizes both inner character (heart) and outer expression (tongue). What makes righteous speech valuable is the valuable heart from which it flows.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Silver required refining to remove impurities, making it valuable. Righteous speech similarly requires heart purification to produce valuable words worth heeding.

Reflection Questions

  1. How valuable is your speech to others - choice silver or worthless dross?
  2. What heart impurities need refining to produce more valuable speech?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כֶּ֣סֶף1 of 7

silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

נִ֭בְחָר2 of 7

is as choice

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

לְשׁ֣וֹן3 of 7

The tongue

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

צַדִּ֑יק4 of 7

of the just

H6662

just

לֵ֖ב5 of 7

the heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

רְשָׁעִ֣ים6 of 7

of the wicked

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

כִּמְעָֽט׃7 of 7

is little worth

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 10:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 10:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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