Proverbs 10:20 (Mini Sermon)

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1.      Pro 10:20 – “The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.”

1. The tongue of the just is as choice silver:
   1. Definitions
      4. Tongue n. – II. In reference to speech. Considered as the principle organ of speech; hence, the faculty of speech; the power of articulation or vocal expression or description; voice, speech; words, language.
      5. Just adj. – 1. That does what is morally right, righteous. just before (with) God or, simply, just: Righteous in the sight of God; justified.
      6. Choice adj. – 1. a. Worthy or being chosen, select, exquisite, of picked quality, of special excellence.
      7. Silver n. – 1. One of the precious metals (in general use ranking next to gold), characterized in a pure state by its lustrous white colour and great malleability and ductility. Chemical symbol Ag. 2. The metal regarded as a valuable possession or medium or exchange; hence silver coin; also chiefly Sc.), money in general.
   2. In other words, the good, wholesome words of righteous men are precious, valuable, and highly sought after.
      1. A godly man speaks as the oracles of God (the word of God) (1Pe 4:11) which are pure words like silver tried in a furnace (Psa 12:6).
      2. Just as fine silver is prized by men, so are the wise and gracious words which come out of godly men’s mouths (Pro 3:13-14; Pro 8:19; Ecc 10:12 c/w Luk 4:22 c/w Psa 45:2).
      3. The lips of knowledge are a precious jewel (Pro 20:15).
      4. A word fitly spoken by a just man is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Pro 25:11; Pro 15:23).
      5. The pleasant words of a good man are sweet to the soul and health to the bones (Pro 16:24).
      6. The tongue of the learned knows how to speak a comforting word to the weary which is often more valuable than choice silver (Isa 50:4).
   3. the heart of the wicked is little worth.
      1. Definitions
         5. Heart n. – ** As the seat of feeling, understanding, and thought. a. = mind, in the widest sense, including the functions of feeling, volition, and intellect.  6. a. The seat of one’s inmost thoughts and secret feelings; one’s inmost being; the depths of the soul; the soul, the spirit.   9. a. The seat of the emotions generally; the emotional nature, as distinguished from the intellectual nature placed in the head.
         6. Wicked adj. – 1. Bad in moral character, disposition, or conduct; inclined or addicted to wilful wrong-doing; practising or disposed to practise evil; morally depraved. (A term of wide application, but always of strong reprobation, implying a high degree of evil quality.)
         7. Little adj. – II. Opposed to much. 10. a. Not much; only a slight amount or degree of; barely any.
         8. Worth n. – 1. Pecuniary value; price; money. 2. The relative value of a thing in respect of its qualities or of the estimation in which it is held. The character or standing of a person in respect of moral and intellectual qualities; esp. high personal merit or attainments.
      2. In other words, the very core of the being of the wicked, including his thoughts, emotions, and feelings, is of barely any value.
         1. Outwardly, men might think that wicked men have good hearts which have value.
         2. But their wicked heart is merely as a piece of cheap pottery plated with silver which is of little worth (Pro 26:23).

• This verse gives the lie to the idea that all people are valuable in God’s sight (Isa 40:17; Psa 62:9; Psa 39:5).

1. Man’s heart by nature is wicked, evil, and worthless.
   1. Man’s heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jer 17:9).
   2. Man’s heart is the source of all manner of wickedness (Mat 15:19; Mar 7:21-23).
2. The heart of man, which is the source of his religion, way of life, and thoughts, is an abomination to God.
   1. The religion of the wicked, which comes from his heart, is an abomination to God (Pro 15:8).
   2. The way of the wicked, which proceeds from his heart, is an abomination to God (Pro 15:9).
   3. The thoughts of the wicked, which are generated in his heart, are an abomination to God (Pro 15:26).
3. The wicked are good for nothing and are therefore worthless (Jer 13:10).

• Christians who have lost their godly savor are likewise good for nothing (Mat 5:13).
• While the wicked are nearly worthless, God’s faithful children are of great value to Him (Mat 10:31; 1Pe 1:18-19).