A godly tongue reflects an inner life shaped by wisdom and devotion to God.
When Solomon, who reigned as king of Israel from about 970 to 931 BC and was known for his God-given wisdom, declares in Proverbs 10:20 that “The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little” (v.20), he emphasizes the immense value of words that flow from a person who seeks righteousness before the LORD. In biblical times, silver was a treasured precious metal, employed in trade and signifying wealth. By comparing the speech of the righteous to choice silver, Solomon highlights that their words can serve as a source of encouragement and truth, reflecting the heart of one who is align with God’s ways.
As the verse contrasts the righteous tongue with “the heart of the wicked,” which is described as “worth little” (v.20), it reveals something crucial about inner motives. Springing from a corrupted heart, wicked speech lacks the genuine concern and moral depth associated with a life that honors God (Matthew 12:34). This contrast underscores that our words are more than sounds; they reveal who we are at our core. In the framework of biblical wisdom, a person who allows God’s truth to shape their heart will speak words that bear lasting impact, much like silver retains its value and beauty across generations.
Jesus affirms the importance of righteous speech when He teaches that what comes out of our mouth reflects the condition of our heart (Luke 6:45). Similarly, the Apostle James warns that the tongue, although a small part of the body, can lead to significant outcomes depending on its guidance (James 3:2-10). Believers can apply Proverbs 10:20 by diligently seeking a heart aligned with God, ensuring that ensuing words echo the purity and worth of choice silver rather than something cheapened by unrighteous desires.
Set to dark mode
Proverbs 10:20 meaning
When Solomon, who reigned as king of Israel from about 970 to 931 BC and was known for his God-given wisdom, declares in Proverbs 10:20 that “The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, The heart of the wicked is worth little” (v.20), he emphasizes the immense value of words that flow from a person who seeks righteousness before the LORD. In biblical times, silver was a treasured precious metal, employed in trade and signifying wealth. By comparing the speech of the righteous to choice silver, Solomon highlights that their words can serve as a source of encouragement and truth, reflecting the heart of one who is align with God’s ways.
As the verse contrasts the righteous tongue with “the heart of the wicked,” which is described as “worth little” (v.20), it reveals something crucial about inner motives. Springing from a corrupted heart, wicked speech lacks the genuine concern and moral depth associated with a life that honors God (Matthew 12:34). This contrast underscores that our words are more than sounds; they reveal who we are at our core. In the framework of biblical wisdom, a person who allows God’s truth to shape their heart will speak words that bear lasting impact, much like silver retains its value and beauty across generations.
Jesus affirms the importance of righteous speech when He teaches that what comes out of our mouth reflects the condition of our heart (Luke 6:45). Similarly, the Apostle James warns that the tongue, although a small part of the body, can lead to significant outcomes depending on its guidance (James 3:2-10). Believers can apply Proverbs 10:20 by diligently seeking a heart aligned with God, ensuring that ensuing words echo the purity and worth of choice silver rather than something cheapened by unrighteous desires.