The Silver Tongue

(Proverbs 10:20 KJV)  The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

This is an unusual contrast.  The “tongue” (3956) is getting praise and the “heart” (3820) is being condemned.  Usually we link the tongue to gossip and similar activities.  I am sure you are familiar with the words of James,

(James 3:6 KJV)  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

But here it is compared to the finest silver. 

Notice it is not the body part but the use.  In this verse the focus is on the person doing the using.  Other places it might be on the activity or intent.  I am not sure you can separate the three.

What do we do with what we have?  Do we take our assets and use them as “just" (righteous NASB) (6662) tools or do we follow the path of the “wicked” (7563)?  It really does make a difference.

So?  You may be a long way from the world’s richest man or the most talented actress.  You still touch the world around you.  Make your contribution a blessing, not a curse.