Proverbs 10:20
Proverbs 10:20 in Multiple Translations
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth.
The tongue of the upright man is like tested silver: the heart of the evil-doer is of little value.
What good people say is like the best silver, but the mind of the wicked isn't worth much.
The tongue of the iust man is as fined siluer: but the heart of the wicked is litle worth.
The tongue of the righteous [is] chosen silver, The heart of the wicked — as a little thing.
The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: but the heart of the wicked is nothing worth.
What righteous/good people say [MTY] is as valuable as pure silver [MET]; what wicked people think is worthless.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 10:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֶּ֣סֶף
נִ֭בְחָר
לְשׁ֣וֹן
צַדִּ֑יק
לֵ֖ב
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
כִּ/מְעָֽט
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
נִ֭בְחָר
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Niphal
לְשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
לֵ֖ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
כִּ/מְעָֽט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:20
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
נִ֭בְחָר
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
V-Niphal
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
לְשׁ֣וֹן
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
צַדִּ֑יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
לֵ֖ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
כִּ/מְעָֽט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:20
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:20
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
18The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.
21The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. 22The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 17:9 | The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:18 | Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. |
| 3 | Genesis 6:5 | Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. |
| 4 | Proverbs 23:7 | for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. |
| 5 | Matthew 12:34–35 | You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. |
| 6 | Genesis 8:21 | When the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, He said in His heart, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from his youth. And never again will I destroy all living creatures as I have done. |
| 7 | Proverbs 15:4 | A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. |
| 8 | Proverbs 8:19 | My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. |
| 9 | Proverbs 16:13 | Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved. |
| 10 | Proverbs 25:11–12 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. |
Proverbs 10:20 Summary
This verse teaches us that the words we speak have great value and can bring encouragement and joy to others, like precious silver. On the other hand, a heart that is wicked and filled with wrong intentions is of little worth to God. To have a tongue that speaks 'choice silver', we must focus on cultivating a heart of righteousness and love for God, as seen in Proverbs 10:20 and Matthew 22:37-40. By speaking words that are kind, wise, and edifying, we can bring value and blessing to those around us, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the tongue of the righteous to be 'choice silver'?
This phrase means that the words of a righteous person are valuable and precious, like the finest silver, as seen in Proverbs 10:20, and it reflects the wisdom and kindness that comes from a heart that loves God, as described in Proverbs 15:2 and Psalm 37:30.
How can I ensure my heart is not 'wicked' and 'of little worth'?
To avoid having a heart of little worth, we must focus on cultivating a heart of righteousness through prayer, Bible study, and obedience to God's commands, as taught in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37-40.
What is the difference between the 'tongue of the righteous' and the 'heart of the wicked'?
The tongue of the righteous refers to the words and speech of a person who follows God, while the heart of the wicked refers to the inner motivations and intentions of someone who rejects God, as seen in Proverbs 10:20 and Jeremiah 17:9.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday life?
By being mindful of the words we speak and the intentions of our heart, we can apply Proverbs 10:20 to our daily lives, striving to speak words that are 'choice silver' and cultivating a heart that is pure and righteous before God, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32 and Colossians 3:8-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can use my words to bring value and encouragement to those around me, as 'choice silver'?
- How can I examine my own heart to ensure it is not 'wicked' and 'of little worth', but rather filled with love and obedience to God?
- In what ways can I prioritize speaking words that are wise, kind, and edifying, as described in Proverbs 10:20 and Ephesians 4:29-32?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate a heart of righteousness and a tongue that speaks 'choice silver'?
- How can I seek to balance speaking truth with speaking words that are gentle and loving, as seen in Proverbs 10:20 and 1 Peter 3:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:20
The tongue of the just [is as] choice silver,.... Which utters things precious, pure, pleasant, and profitable; things for worth and value as choice silver; the doctrines of the Gospel, the power of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:20
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:20
As choice silver; of great worth and use, bringing credit to himself, and much benefit to others. The heart, and consequently the tongue, which speaketh out of the abundance of the heart, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:20
Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just [is as] choice silver: the heart of the wicked [is] little worth.Ver. 20. The tongue of the just is as choice silver.] He scattereth "pearls," he throws abroad "treasure," even "apples of gold in shrines of silver." "I will turn to the people a pure language," saith God, a "lip of excellency," the language of heaven. As William the Conqueror sought to bring in the French tongue here, by enjoining children to use no other in schools, lawyers to practise in French; no man was graced but he that spake French, &c. The heart of the wicked is little worth.] Est quasi parum, is as little as need to be. He is ever either hatching cockatrice’ eggs or weaving spiders’ webs, as the prophet hath it. Vanity or villainy is his whole study, and his daily discourse. Daniel’ s Hist.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:20
Verse 20. The heart of the wicked is little worth] כמעט kimat, is like little or nothing; or is like dross, while the tongue of the just is like silver. A sinner's heart is worth nothing, and is good for nothing; and yet because it is his most hidden part, he vaunts of its honesty, goodness, c.! Yes, yes it is very honest and good, only the devil is in it! that is all.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:20
20. tongue … heart] The force of the antithesis lies in these two words: even the tongue of the one, but the very heart of the other.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:20
The tongue, the instrument of the mind is contrasted with the heart or mind itself, the just with the wicked, the choice silver with the worthless “little,” the Hebrew word being possibly taken in
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:20
20. Tongue of the just — The words, discourse. Choice silver — See Proverbs 8:19. Heart — Intelligence or thought. The heart and the tongue have a common relation to discourse in producing it. The one conceives, the other utters.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"Book of Remembrance" by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life that is devoted to God, comparing our actions and words to materials like wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious ston |
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Purified by Leonard Ravenhill by Compilations | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life devoted to God, comparing the value of our actions and words to wood, hay, stubble, silver, gold, and precious stones. It cha |
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The Evil Tongue by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the |
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The Plague of the Heart by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of sin and its stealthy nature. He highlights the fact that many people refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in their hearts. |
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Practical Aspects of the Holy Spirit - Promise of a Father by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three periods in the disciples' journey after Jesus' departure. The first period is characterized by Jesus intensifying His teaching and prepa |
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Plague of His Own Heart by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. He shares a story of a 15-year-old boy who committed a cold-blooded murder and reflects |
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Laying by the Pool by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had been lying by a pool for 38 years, hoping for healing. The pool was surrounded by a crowd of people, with the stro |