Proverbs 10:20
The tongue of the upright man is like tested silver: the heart of the evil-doer is of little value.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
In Context
19Where there is much talk there will be no end to sin, but he who keeps his mouth shut does wisely.
21The lips of the upright man give food to men, but the foolish come to death for need of sense.
Cross References
Genesis 8:21And when the sweet smell came up to the Lord, he said in his heart, I will not again put a curse on the earth because of man, for the thoughts of man's heart are evil from his earliest days; never again will I send destruction on all living things as I have done.
Proverbs 8:19My fruit is better than gold, even than the best gold; and my increase is more to be desired than silver.
Proverbs 15:4A comforting tongue is a tree of life, but a twisted tongue is a crushing of the spirit.
Proverbs 20:15There is gold and a store of corals: but the lips of knowledge are a jewel of great price.
Proverbs 25:11A word at the right time is like apples of gold in a network of silver.
Matthew 12:34You offspring of snakes, how are you, being evil, able to say good things? because out of the heart's store come the words of the mouth.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 10:20
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. We are here admonished concerning the government of the tongue, that necessary duty of a Christian. 1. It is good to say little, because in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, or sin doth not cease. Usually, those that speak much speak much amiss, and among many words there cannot but be many idle words, which they must shortly give an account of. Those that love to hear themselves talk do not consider what work… Read the whole commentary →