Proverbs 10:20

Authorized King James Version

The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֶּ֣סֶף
silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#2
נִ֭בְחָר
is as choice
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#3
לְשׁ֣וֹן
The tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#4
צַדִּ֑יק
of the just
just
#5
לֵ֖ב
the heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#6
רְשָׁעִ֣ים
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#7
כִּמְעָֽט׃
is little worth
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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