Pro 10:20 | MHM | STEP | The Proper Use of the Tongue This section teaches us how to judge people, not by their money or position, but by their character and the words they speak. Good people are valuable and helpful to others, while wicked people have little to offer. v. 20 : Good people, even if they are poor, are valuable because of their words. The tongue of the just is as choice silver . Their words are honest and pure, like silver that has been cleaned. Just as God’s words are compared to silver purified (Psalm 12:6 ), the words of righteous people are trustworthy and helpful. The lips of the righteous feed many (Proverbs 10:21 ). Their words are like food for the soul, giving wisdom and encouragement to those who listen. On the other hand, the heart of the wicked is little worth (Proverbs 10:20 ). What comes from a wicked person’s heart is not valuable. Their thoughts and words are focused on worldly things and do not help others. As Jesus said, He that is of the earth speaks of the earth (John 3:31; 1 Corinthians 2:14 ). Some wicked people claim to have a good heart, but God knows the truth

‏ Proverbs 10:20

The Proper Use of the Tongue

This section teaches us how to judge people, not by their money or position, but by their character and the words they speak. Good people are valuable and helpful to others, while wicked people have little to offer.

v. 20: Good people, even if they are poor, are valuable because of their words. The tongue of the just is as choice silver . Their words are honest and pure, like silver that has been cleaned. Just as God’s words are compared to silver purified (Psalm 12:6 ^a), the words of righteous people are trustworthy and helpful. The lips of the righteous feed many (Proverbs 10:21 ^b). Their words are like food for the soul, giving wisdom and encouragement to those who listen. On the other hand, the heart of the wicked is little worth (Proverbs 10:20 ^c). What comes from a wicked person’s heart is not valuable. Their thoughts and words are focused on worldly things and do not help others. As Jesus said, He that is of the earth speaks of the earth (John 3:31; 1 Corinthians 2:14 ^d). Some wicked people claim to have a good heart, but God knows the truth—it is worth nothing.