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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 11:12 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/11-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/20_Pro_11_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 11:12 - Dishonest Scales" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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a sensible person keeps quiet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a person of understanding keeps silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who despises his neighbor lacks a heart <i>of wisdom</i>, But a man of discernment keeps silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense, but a person with understanding keeps silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks sense, but a man with understanding keeps silent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that despiseth his neighbour is void of wisdom: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A person who despises a neighbor has no sense, but a person who has understanding keeps quiet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is foolish to speak scornfully of others. If you are smart, you will keep quiet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but the discerning man controls his comments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who has discernment keeps silent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever is despising his neighbor lacks heart, "" And a man of understanding keeps silence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is despising his neighbour lacketh heart, And a man of understanding keepeth silence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He wanting heart despised for his neighbor: and a man of understanding will be silent.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that despiseth his friend, is mean of heart: but the wise man will hold his peace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever despises his friend is destitute in heart. But the prudent man will remain silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever reviles a neighbor lacks sense, but the intelligent keep silent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever belittles another lacks sense, but an intelligent person remains silent.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who despises his neighbor lacks understanding; but a man of prudence lives in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that despises his neighbor is deficient in mind and a man of understanding dwells in quietness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that despiseth his neighbour lacketh understanding; But a man of discernment holdeth his peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A man void of understanding sneers at <i>his fellow</i> citizens: but a sensible man is quiet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/11-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1986" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Dishonest Scales</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/936.htm" title="936: bāz- (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To despise. A primitive root; to disrespect.">Whoever shows contempt</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: lə·rê·‘ê·hū (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">for his neighbor</a> <a href="/hebrew/2638.htm" title="2638: ḥă·sar- (Adj-msc) -- Needy, lacking, in want of. From chacer; lacking; hence, without.">lacks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">judgment,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">but a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8394.htm" title="8394: tə·ḇū·nō·wṯ (N-fp) -- An understanding. And tbuwnah; or towbunah; from biyn; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice.">of understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/2790.htm" title="2790: ya·ḥă·rîš (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To cut in, engrave, plow, devise.">remains silent.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a></span><br />Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Proverbs 18:13</a></span><br />He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Proverbs 12:23</a></span><br />A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-11.htm">Proverbs 29:11</a></span><br />A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12</a></span><br />The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a></span><br />The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor: but a man of understanding holds his peace.</p><p class="hdg">that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Judges 9:27-29,38</a></b></br> And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode <i>the grapes</i>, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/4-2.htm">Nehemiah 4:2-4</a></b></br> And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/123-3.htm">Psalm 123:3,4</a></b></br> Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt… </p><p class="hdg">void of wisdom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></b></br> In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips <i>is</i> wise.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">1 Samuel 10:27</a></b></br> But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/18-36.htm">2 Kings 18:36</a></b></br> But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">Derides</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-21.htm">Despises</a> <a href="/psalms/69-33.htm">Despiseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/94-18.htm">Holdeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-21.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-16.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-13.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-10.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-15.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/psalms/143-12.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/131-2.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-31.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-23.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">Derides</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Despises</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-13.htm">Despiseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Discernment</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Holdeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-26.htm">Holds</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Keepeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Lacketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Neighbor</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-20.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-7.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-22.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Void</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-8.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">On Deception</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of respecting others within the community. In ancient Israel, community cohesion was vital for survival and prosperity. Contempt for a neighbor disrupts this harmony and reflects a lack of wisdom. The Hebrew word for "contempt" suggests disdain or scorn, which is contrary to the biblical call to love one's neighbor (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>). This teaching aligns with Jesus' command to love others as oneself (<a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39</a>). The lack of judgment here implies a deficiency in moral and spiritual discernment, which is a recurring theme in Proverbs, contrasting the wise and the foolish.<p><b>but a man of understanding remains silent</b><br>Silence in this context is a sign of wisdom and self-control. The "man of understanding" is one who exercises discernment and knows when to speak and when to hold his tongue. This reflects the broader biblical principle that wisdom often involves restraint in speech (<a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27-28</a>). In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where honor and shame were significant social values, remaining silent could prevent unnecessary conflict and preserve one's reputation. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to be "quick to listen, slow to speak" (<a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>). The restraint shown by the man of understanding can be seen as a type of Christ, who often chose silence in the face of accusation (<a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a>, <a href="/matthew/27-12.htm">Matthew 27:12-14</a>), demonstrating profound wisdom and strength.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/neighbor.htm">Neighbor</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a neighbor refers to anyone with whom one has a relationship or interaction, not just those living nearby. The term emphasizes the importance of community and interpersonal relationships.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/man_of_understanding.htm">Man of Understanding</a></b><br>This phrase refers to a person who possesses wisdom and discernment, qualities highly valued in the book of Proverbs. Such a person exercises restraint and thoughtfulness in their speech.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom. His teachings often focus on the practical application of wisdom in daily life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_silence.htm">The Value of Silence</a></b><br>Silence can be a powerful tool in maintaining peace and demonstrating wisdom. It allows for reflection and prevents the escalation of conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/judgment_and_discernment.htm">Judgment and Discernment</a></b><br>Exercising good judgment involves recognizing when to speak and when to remain silent. This discernment is a mark of maturity and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_others.htm">Respect for Others</a></b><br>Showing contempt for others reveals a lack of respect and understanding. As Christians, we are called to honor and value each person as made in the image of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/building_community.htm">Building Community</a></b><br>Healthy communities are built on mutual respect and understanding. Avoiding contemptuous speech fosters unity and strengthens relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_love.htm">Reflecting Christ's Love</a></b><br>Our interactions with others should reflect the love and grace of Christ. By choosing our words carefully, we can be a testimony to His transformative power in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_94_align_with_swift_judgment.htm">Psalm 94:3-4 depicts the wicked flourishing and boasting; how does this align with other biblical claims that God swiftly judges evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_ezekiel_12_22-25_predict_quick_judgment.htm">Why does Ezekiel 12:22-25 predict immediate judgment when other biblical prophecies suggest a different timeline for Israel's punishment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_7_2_fit_a_round_earth.htm">In Ezekiel 7:2, the text mentions 'the four corners of the land'--how can this be reconciled with modern geography and a spherical Earth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abiram_in_the_bible.htm">What signifies the wide gate leading to destruction?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that is void of wisdom</span> <span class="cmt_word">despiseth his neighbor;</span> uses words of contempt about his neighbour. Septuagint, "sneers at his fellow citizens." The following clause indicates that contemptuous language is chiefly intended. <span class="cmt_word">Holdeth his peace.</span> An intelligent man is slow to condemn, makes allowance for others' difficulties, and, if he cannot approve, at least knows how to be silent. <span class="accented">Nam</span> <span class="accented">nulli tacuisse nocet nocet esse locutum</span>. "Speech is silver," says the proverb, "silence is golden." Septuagint, "A man of sense keeps quiet." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/11-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Whoever shows contempt</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּז־</span> <span class="translit">(bāz-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_936.htm">Strong's 936: </a> </span><span class="str2">To disrespect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for his neighbor</span><br /><span class="heb">לְרֵעֵ֥הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lacks</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲסַר־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·sar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> </span><span class="str2">Needy, lacking, in want of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">judgment,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a man</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֖ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּבוּנ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(tə·ḇū·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8394.htm">Strong's 8394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intelligence, an argument, caprice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">holds his peace.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַחֲרִֽישׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·ḥă·rîš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2790.htm">Strong's 2790: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut in, engrave, plow, devise</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/11-12.htm">Proverbs 11:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:12 One who despises his neighbor is void (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/11-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 11:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 11:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>