Proverbs 10:20 kjv

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

Proverbs 10:20 nkjv

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little.

Proverbs 10:20 niv

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

Proverbs 10:20 esv

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.

Proverbs 10:20 nlt

The words of the godly are like sterling silver;
the heart of a fool is worthless.

Proverbs 10 verses

Proverbs 10 20 Meaning

Proverbs 10:20 states a fundamental contrast: the speech of a righteous person is incredibly valuable, akin to highly refined silver, whereas the core intentions and inner being of a wicked person are deemed utterly worthless. This proverb highlights that true spiritual and moral value stems from a righteous character, which naturally produces words of wisdom and truth, while wickedness, regardless of any outward appearance, has no intrinsic merit or lasting worth.

Proverbs 10 20 Context

Proverbs chapter 10 marks a significant shift in the book, predominantly employing antithetical parallelism—juxtaposing contrasting ideas or characteristics, typically of the righteous/wise versus the wicked/foolish. This literary device emphasizes clear distinctions between paths of life and their associated outcomes. Proverbs 10:20 perfectly fits this structure, contrasting the nature and worth of the righteous and the wicked through their most telling expressions: the tongue (for the righteous) and the heart (for the wicked). Historically and culturally, the book of Proverbs provided moral and practical instruction for covenant living, stressing the divine order of cause and effect in human behavior. It underlined that true value is found in alignment with God's wisdom, and that inward character (the heart) is the ultimate source of all outward manifestations, including speech. This verse implicitly opposes any notion that mere outward compliance or pleasing words can compensate for an internally corrupt being.

Proverbs 10 20 Word analysis

• The tongue (לְשׁוֹן, leshon): While literally referring to the organ, it is a metonymy here for speech, words, and conversation. In Hebrew wisdom literature, the tongue's capacity to speak is intrinsically linked to one's character and has profound life-and-death consequences, making it a powerful gauge of the inner person.
• of the righteous (צַדִּיק, tzaddiq): This term describes one who is morally upright, just, and lives in accordance with God's laws and ethical standards. Their righteousness is rooted in a right relationship with God and manifests as integrity and adherence to truth.
• is choice silver (כֶּסֶף נִבְחָר, kesef nivchar):
  • choice (נִבְחָר, nivchar): Denotes something selected, chosen, tried, or proven. It implies a high standard of purity and excellence, often attained through a refining process.
  • silver (כֶּסֶף, kesef): A precious metal universally valued for its monetary worth and beauty in the ancient world. It often symbolizes purity, durability, and a tested quality. The phrase conveys that the righteous person's words are of superior intrinsic value, refined, true, and untainted by dross, reflecting genuineness and purity.
• but (וְ, ve-): This conjunction serves as a strong contrast, pivotal for the antithetical parallelism of the proverb, signaling an abrupt shift to the opposing idea.
• the heart (לֵב, lev): In ancient Hebrew understanding, the heart is not merely the seat of emotions but the deepest core of a person—the intellect, will, mind, intentions, and moral center. It represents the inner spring from which all actions, thoughts, and decisions ultimately originate.
• of the wicked (רָשָׁע, rasha): Describes one who is morally wrong, unrighteous, or guilty, habitually defiant of God's ways. Their wickedness is an internal disposition toward evil and rebellion against divine truth.
• is of little value (מְעַט, me'at): Literally "little," "few," or "a small amount." In this context, it conveys utter insignificance, worthlessness, spiritual bankruptcy, or contemptibility. It suggests that the inner being of the wicked person, their fundamental character and motivations, is without true worth, substance, or moral weight in God's eyes.

• Words-group analysis:
  • "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver": This phrase portrays the speech of the righteous as precious and pure. It signifies that their words are weighty, honest, valuable, and edifying, untainted by deceit or malice, and worthy of trust and esteem. It suggests their speech consistently produces spiritual and moral profit, like refined currency.
  • "but the heart of the wicked is of little value": This powerful contrast asserts that the inner person—the thoughts, desires, motives, and core essence—of the wicked is inherently worthless from a divine perspective. It implies a moral bankruptcy and spiritual depravity that cannot produce anything genuinely good or lasting, rendering their entire being and intentions spiritually bankrupt and deserving of contempt rather than worth.

Proverbs 10 20 Bonus section

The contrast presented in this proverb goes beyond merely contrasting good speech with bad speech. By explicitly stating that the heart of the wicked is of little value, the proverb delves into the deeper source of one's being. This highlights that worthlessness isn't merely an attribute of their actions or words, but permeates their very essence and intentions. The "worthlessness" implies a complete lack of spiritual, moral, or redemptive value from God's perspective. This also subtly functions as a polemic against superficiality; it rejects any pretense of outward good when the inward motivation is corrupt, emphasizing that God judges the heart (1 Sam 16:7). The purity and tested nature of "choice silver" further connects to the concept of God refining His people, suggesting that the righteous heart, like pure metal, has been purified through spiritual discipline and alignment with divine truth.

Proverbs 10 20 Commentary

Proverbs 10:20 provides a succinct yet profound evaluation of character by assessing its most telling expressions. It establishes that the verbal output of a righteous individual is profoundly precious and pure, akin to refined silver. This is not merely about saying nice words, but about speech that genuinely flows from a heart dedicated to truth, integrity, and God's wisdom. Such words are true, trustworthy, beneficial, and lasting in their impact. In stark opposition, the proverb condemns the heart of the wicked as being of "little value." This is a deeper condemnation than merely labeling their speech as worthless; it pronounces spiritual bankruptcy upon their core being. It means their intentions, their inner motivations, and the very essence of who they are apart from God's righteousness, yield nothing of true, eternal worth. Thus, the proverb teaches that external manifestations (speech) are direct indicators of internal reality (heart), underscoring that genuine worth flows solely from a righteous, God-aligned character.

Examples:

• The counsel of a truly righteous elder brings solace and direction, proving to be "choice silver."
• The internal motivations of one engaged in corrupt business dealings, despite any outward show, are revealed as "of little value" in the light of truth.