Proverbs 10:20
The tongue of the just is choice silver. But the heart of the impious is exchanged for nothing.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
In Context
19In a multitude of speaking, sin will not be lacking. But whoever tempers his lips is most prudent.
21The lips of the just instruct many. But those who are unlearned shall die in destitution of heart.
Cross References
Genesis 8:21And the Lord smelled the sweet odor and said: “I will no longer curse the earth because of man. For the feelings and thoughts of the heart of man are prone to evil from his youth. Therefore, I will no longer pierce every living soul as I have done.
Proverbs 8:19For my fruit is better than gold and precious stones, and my progeny better than choice silver.
Proverbs 15:4A peaceful tongue is a tree of life. But that which is immoderate will crush the spirit.
Proverbs 20:15There is gold, and there are a multitude of jewels. But lips of knowledge are a precious vessel.
Proverbs 25:11Whoever speaks a word at an opportune time is like apples of gold on beds of silver.
Matthew 12:34Progeny of vipers, how are you able to speak good things while you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
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 →