The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 10:20
What does Proverbs 10:20 mean?
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Proverbs 10:20
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The contrast here isn't just between good and bad words, but between the value of a righteous person's outward expression and the worthlessness of a wicked person's inner core. It highlights that a righteous person's speech, like refined silver, is precious and beneficial, whereas the wicked person's heart, the source of their words, is fundamentally devoid of true value.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger collection where wisdom and folly are constantly contrasted. It sets up a comparison between the value and output of a righteous person, represented by their speech, and the worthlessness of a wicked person's inner disposition. The verse directly anticipates the next, which will expand on how the righteous tongue "feeds many" while the wicked lack the wisdom to do so.
Ever heard someone speak, and their words just felt... valuable? Like they carried real weight and wisdom? This verse explains why.
The Bible compares the tongue of the righteous to choice silver. Think about what makes silver 'choice': it's not just valuable, but it's been refined, purified, and tested. It's pure and free from impurities.
This means the words spoken by someone who follows God are precious. They aren't just thrown around carelessly; they are deliberate, pure, and bring benefit to others. They speak truth, offer comfort, and build people up. These words are a treasure because they come from a place of tested faith and genuine care.
The verse starkly contrasts the righteous with the wicked. What makes the wicked's 'heart' so valueless?
While the righteous person's words are precious, the verse declares that the heart of the wicked is of little worth. This isn't just about their words being bad; it's about the very core of their being being corrupt.
Scholars point out that 'little worth' can also mean 'like dross' or 'almost nothing.' This means the wicked person's inner self is fundamentally flawed and good for nothing in God's eyes. Because their heart is full of sin and impurity, anything that comes from it—their thoughts, intentions, and words—carries no true value. It's all tainted and ultimately leads to destruction, not life.
Understand the original words
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lashon · Hebrew Noun
The organ of speech and expression; in Scripture, it is a key indicator of the inner condition of the heart and mind.
leb · Hebrew Noun
The seat of a person's inner being, encompassing their intellect, emotions, desires, and moral character before God.
This passage directly links the words we speak ('the tongue') to the condition of our inner selves ('the heart'), echoing Proverbs' contrast between the righteous tongue and the wicked heart.
Luke 6:45Jesus states that 'out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks,' reinforcing the idea that what comes out of our mouths is a direct reflection of our inner being, just as Proverbs 10:20 highlights.
Romans 10:10This verse speaks of believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth, showing a similar connection between inner conviction and outward declaration that is central to the proverb.
Psalm 37:30This psalm declares that 'the mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice,' aligning with the proverb's depiction of the righteous tongue as precious and beneficial.
1 Peter 3:15This verse calls believers to 'always be prepared to give an answer' with gentleness and respect, underscoring the importance and value of the way a righteous person speaks.
bensonProverbs 10:20: "The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth."
Proverbs 10:20-21 . The tongue of the just is as choice silver — Of great worth and use, bringing credit to himself, and great benefit to others; the heart of the wicked is little worth — And consequently his tongue, which speaketh out of the abundance of the heart, Matthew 12:34 . The lips of the righteous feed many — By their wise and pious discourses, counsels, and comforts, which are so ma…
clarkeProverbs 10:20: "The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth."
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, etc.! Yes, yes; it is very honest and good, only the devil is in it! that is all.
The contrast here isn't just between good and bad words, but between the value of a righteous person's outward expression and the worthlessness of a wicked person's inner core. It highlights that a righteous person's speech, like refined silver, is precious and beneficial, whereas the wicked person's heart, the source of their words, is fundamentally devoid of true value.
This proverb is part of a larger collection where wisdom and folly are constantly contrasted. It sets up a comparison between the value and output of a righteous person, represented by their speech, and the worthlessness of a wicked person's inner disposition. The verse directly anticipates the next, which will expand on how the righteous tongue "feeds many" while the wicked lack the wisdom to do so.
This proverb is part of a larger collection where wisdom and folly are constantly contrasted. It sets up a comparison between the value and output of a righteous person, represented by their speech, and the worthlessness of a wicked person's inner disposition. The verse directly anticipates the next, which will expand on how the righteous tongue "feeds many" while the wicked lack the wisdom to do so.
"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth." — The contrast here isn't just between good and bad words, but between the value of a righteous person's outward expression and the worthlessness of a wicked person's inner core. It highlights that…
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Last reviewed October 2026