What does Proverbs 10:20 teach about the value of righteous speech? Verse Spotlight “The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.” (Proverbs 10:20) What the Image of “Choice Silver” Conveys • Precious: Pure silver held its worth in any economy—so godly words never lose their value. • Refined: Silver is purified by fire; righteous speech is purified by truth (Psalm 12:6). • Durable: Silver resists corrosion; words aligned with God’s Word endure (Isaiah 40:8). • Attractive: Silver draws attention; wholesome speech draws people toward wisdom (Colossians 4:6). The Contrast Solomon Intends • “Tongue of the righteous” vs. “heart of the wicked” – God highlights that speech exposes character (Matthew 12:34). • “Choice silver” vs. “little value” – Righteous words enrich; unregenerate hearts produce spiritual poverty (James 3:5–12). Supporting Voices in Scripture • Proverbs 25:11: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” • Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up…” • Proverbs 15:23: “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” • Luke 6:45: “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Practical Takeaways • Treasure your words—treat each sentence as costly silver. • Refine your speech through Scripture saturation; the Word shapes the tongue. • Measure worth not by eloquence but by purity, truth, and edification. • Guard the heart; righteous speech is impossible without a regenerated heart (Proverbs 4:23). • Aim for lasting impact; a single truthful sentence can outlive seasons, cultures, and crises. Bottom Line Proverbs 10:20 declares that righteous speech has intrinsic, enduring, and enriching worth—comparable to “choice silver.” Every godly word is a valuable investment in the lives of hearers and a clear indicator of a heart aligned with God. |
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