Proverbs 10:20
The tongue of the righteous [is] chosen silver, The heart of the wicked — as a little thing.
Young's Literal Translation
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 the abundance of words transgression ceaseth not, And whoso is restraining his lips [is] wise.
21The lips of the righteous delight many, And fools for lack of heart die.
Cross References
Genesis 8:21and Jehovah smelleth the sweet fragrance, and Jehovah saith unto His heart, 'I continue not to disesteem any more the ground because of man, though the imagination of the heart of man [is] evil from his youth; and I continue not to smite any more all living, as I have done;
Proverbs 8:19Better [is] my fruit than gold, even fine gold, And mine increase than choice silver.
Proverbs 15:4A healed tongue [is] a tree of life, And perverseness in it — a breach in the spirit.
Proverbs 20:15Substance, gold, and a multitude of rubies, Yea, a precious vessel, [are] lips of knowledge.
Proverbs 25:11Apples of gold in imagery of silver, [Is] the word spoken at its fit times.
Matthew 12:34'Brood of vipers! how are ye able to speak good things — being evil? for out of the abundance of the heart doth the mouth speak.
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 →