Proverbs 11:12 kjv

He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Proverbs 11:12 nkjv

He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace.

Proverbs 11:12 niv

Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

Proverbs 11:12 esv

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Proverbs 11:12 nlt

It is foolish to belittle one's neighbor;
a sensible person keeps quiet.

Proverbs 11 verses

Proverbs 11 12 Meaning

Proverbs 11:12 presents a clear contrast between two types of individuals: the foolish and the wise. One who displays contempt or disdain for their neighbor demonstrates a fundamental lack of wisdom or sound judgment. Conversely, a person possessing true understanding or discernment reveals their wisdom by exercising restraint in speech, particularly in potentially divisive or negative situations, choosing silence over derision or harmful words.

Proverbs 11 12 Context

Proverbs 11 belongs to the main body of Solomonic proverbs (Prov 10:1-22:16), which are short, independent, didactic statements primarily employing antithetical parallelism to contrast the ways and fates of the righteous and the wicked. Chapter 11 specifically highlights various aspects of righteous living and its benefits versus wicked living and its consequences, particularly focusing on themes like honesty (vv. 1, 3), generosity (vv. 24-25), integrity (vv. 3, 5-6), humility (v. 2), and crucially, speech (vv. 9, 11-13). Verse 12 is embedded within this larger discussion, illustrating how attitudes manifested through speech define character. Historically and culturally, ancient Israelite society was largely communal. Oral communication played a critical role in establishing one's reputation and maintaining social harmony or discord. Wisdom literature often contrasted the Israelite understanding of righteous conduct, guided by Yahweh’s laws, with the self-serving, often boastful, and exploitative attitudes prevalent in surrounding cultures. This proverb subtly rejects contempt and promotes discreet communication as pillars of a thriving community.

Proverbs 11 12 Word analysis

• Whoever despises: Hebrew: הַז (hāz) from בּוּז (bûz), meaning "to despise, scorn, hold in contempt, disdain." This term signifies looking down upon someone with a sense of superiority or utter disrespect. It's an internal attitude that often manifests externally through verbal mockery, humiliation, or disassociation. This is an act of diminishing another person's worth or dignity.
• his neighbor: Hebrew: רֵעֵהוּ (rêʿēhû) from רֵעַ (reaʿ), meaning "companion, friend, neighbor, fellow-man." In biblical usage, "neighbor" extends beyond physical proximity to any person with whom one interacts, representing the broader community, including foreigners and even adversaries. It encompasses any human being in one’s sphere of influence or relation.
• lacks sense: Hebrew: חֲסַר לֵב (ḥasar lêḇ), literally "lacking heart" or "wanting heart." In Hebrew anthropology, the "heart" (לֵב, lêḇ) is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of the person, encompassing intellect, will, reason, and moral perception. To "lack sense" or "heart" implies a deficiency in discernment, moral understanding, prudence, and practical wisdom necessary to navigate social interactions honorably. It characterizes a foolish person whose actions are guided by impulse or pride rather than wise consideration.
• but: Hebrew: וְ (wê), serving as a strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast between the two clauses.
• a man of understanding: Hebrew: אִישׁ תְּבוּנָה (ʾîš tĕḇûnâ), meaning "a man of discernment" or "a man of insight." תְּבוּנָה (tĕḇûnâ) denotes intelligence, acute perception, comprehension, and practical wisdom—the ability to grasp intricate details and apply knowledge effectively. Such a person possesses insight into human nature, social dynamics, and the consequences of actions, particularly speech.
• remains silent: Hebrew: יַחֲרִישׁ (yaḥărîš) from חָרַשׁ (ḥāraš), meaning "to be silent, keep quiet, be dumb." This is not passive quietness but an active, deliberate choice of restraint. It implies choosing not to engage in idle chatter, gossip, slander, or mockery, even when provoked. It reflects a discerning judgment of knowing when to speak and, more importantly, when silence is the wiser and more virtuous course of action. This silence often protects the speaker from sin and the hearer from harm, and preserves social harmony.

Words-group Analysis

• "Whoever despises his neighbor lacks sense": This phrase highlights that an internal attitude of contempt leads to external expressions of folly. Despising others reveals not superiority, but an absence of foundational wisdom, leading to speech or actions that are unintelligent and counterproductive to a healthy community. It implies moral and intellectual blindness.
• "but a man of understanding remains silent": This contrasting clause portrays wisdom as an active choice to bridle the tongue. The "man of understanding" possesses deep insight and applies it by refraining from foolish or harmful speech, particularly in response to foolishness or opportunities to engage in destructive gossip or contempt. This silence is a deliberate act of self-control and prudence, guarding one's character and promoting peace.

Proverbs 11 12 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "despises" (בּוּז, bûz) implies a fundamental contempt for another's worth or position, a deliberate belittling. This isn't just a difference of opinion but an act of rejection and devaluing, which in a biblical sense is contrary to the command to love one's neighbor and treat all humanity as image-bearers of God. Therefore, this contempt for a "neighbor" can be viewed as an indirect affront to God Himself, as established in Proverbs 17:5 ("Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker"). The "silence" of the wise in this proverb stands as a virtue of discretion and spiritual control. It guards against a spectrum of negative speech—from gossip (Prov 11:13, following this verse) to slander and impulsive declarations. It protects the community from disunity and the individual from entanglement in sinful communication. The emphasis on the "heart" (lêḇ) in "lacks sense" underlines that wisdom is fundamentally a matter of character and moral discernment, not merely intellectual capacity. One can be intellectually gifted and still be a "fool" in biblical terms if their "heart" is misguided by pride or ill will.

Proverbs 11 12 Commentary

Proverbs 11:12 provides a stark moral and practical contrast within the communal setting of ancient Israel. The individual who scorns their "neighbor" – meaning any fellow human being with whom they interact – is deemed to "lack sense." This isn't merely a lapse in etiquette, but a profound deficiency of moral and intellectual discernment, indicating a heart that is not rightly ordered. Such a person fails to grasp the sacredness of human dignity, the communal damage caused by derisive speech, and the inherent sinfulness of belittling God's creation. Their outward contempt stems from an inner foolishness, often driven by pride or a distorted self-perception.

In opposition, the "man of understanding" is characterized by his deliberate "silence." This is not a lack of courage or conviction, but a mark of deep spiritual maturity and discernment. He recognizes the destructive power of words, understands that some things are better left unsaid, and refuses to participate in gossip, slander, or the general foolishness that often accompanies verbal contempt. His silence reflects self-control, patience, and a quiet strength. It safeguards himself from sin, protects the reputation of others, and maintains peace. This wisdom knows that sometimes the most profound truth is conveyed not through eloquent speech, but through judicious restraint, allowing grace and dignity to prevail over destructive pronouncements. It’s a testament to the fact that true wisdom is revealed more by what one refrains from saying than by the abundance of their words.

For practical usage, this proverb teaches:

• Self-reflection: Check your heart for any attitude of contempt or superiority towards others.
• Tongue control: Resist the urge to join in gossip, mocking, or critical discussions about people, especially those who are struggling.
• Discretion: Learn when it is wise to speak, and perhaps even more importantly, when it is prudent to remain silent.
• Humility: True wisdom doesn't need to assert its superiority through contempt, but quietly exercises discretion and shows respect.