Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 10:20, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
American Standard Version
The tongue of the righteous is [as] choice silver: The heart of the wicked is little worth.
World English Bible version
The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
Proverbs 10:20 Meaning & Commentary
As we start to unpack this verse, let’s look at another verse to deepen our understanding: Proverbs 10:13 On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. The Bible says in Proverbs 10:20 that the tongue of the wise is choice silver. Now, we know that The Bible is not talking about a literal tongue, but rather about the words coming out of their mouth.
The Bible often uses tongue, mouth, and words interchangeably; however, it is referring to what someone speaks. The Bible likens the tongue of the righteous to choice (precious) silver. Silver is very valuable, and people will pay good money for choice silver. There is however something even more valuable than silver (and gold) which is understanding and wisdom: Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
The Bible tells us that King Solomon asked God for Wisdom, and he was made very wealthy by God, even though he did not ask for wealth. So, Wisdom and Knowledge give you something far more precious than silver or gold, and someone who is deemed righteous can impart wisdom and knowledge into your life! The heart of the wicked person is of little worth, though.
We know that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and hence the wicked person has little to offer in terms of the heart, and subsequently their mouth. We, therefore, should cherish and value righteous people and most specifically what they can impart to us through the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge that they carry.
Application
How then can we practically apply Proverbs 10:20 to our lives?
We need to do our best to surround ourselves with people who can build us up and challenge us to grow in Christ. There is something very powerful about a person who carries a wealth of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding inside them. By being in their presence, and listening to them speak, you can receive from what is inside of them. Is this not to a large degree what makes YouTube so popular? We can sit in our homes and watch and listen to people who have a lot of Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding and in doing so, we are built up and become a better version of ourselves.
How much more can we receive from a righteous person instruction, guidance, and wisdom on living a life pleasing to God? Conversely, we are likely to receive very little to nothing from a wicked person, as Proverbs 10:20 says that their heart is of little worth. Now, we know that all people are precious to God, but in the context of this verse, it is referring to what they can impart to us. In that respect, there is little to be gained and learned from them. A constant theme throughout Proverbs is how valuable Wisdom is: Proverbs 8:11 for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
We should be seeking wisdom as we seek precious materials, money, and wealth even more so as The Bible tells us that wisdom is more precious than jewels! As we continue to grow in Wisdom, Knowledge and understating, we can then impart this to other people, and we become a storehouse of these precious things to other people, and our tongue (words) will be like choice silver, and we will speak words that build other people up!
Prayer
Mighty God, I come to you in Jesus’ name, and I ask that you place righteous people in my life, who will speak forth precious and highly treasured words; people who are a storehouse of knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and life experience, so that I may receive from them. As I set my heart to seek after these things, I ask that you grant me Wisdom, as your word says that you will, if I just ask. I desire to live righteously and wisely before you, so that my life may be of great worth to those around me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
