Proverbs 11:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He that is void {H2638} of wisdom {H3820} despiseth {H936} his neighbour {H7453}: but a man {H376} of understanding {H8394} holdeth his peace {H2790}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who belittles another lacks good sense, whereas a person of discernment stays silent.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.

American Standard Version

He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:12 sharply contrasts the character and conduct of the foolish with that of the discerning, revealing how internal wisdom or its absence profoundly impacts interpersonal relationships. It asserts that a person devoid of true understanding will treat their neighbor with contempt, whereas an individual possessing discernment will exercise prudent restraint in their speech, thereby fostering harmony and respect within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is nestled within a larger collection of Solomonic wisdom, characteristic of the book of Proverbs' emphasis on practical righteousness and the consequences of moral choices. The book frequently employs **antithetical parallelism**, a literary device where two opposing ideas are set against each other, as seen here with the "void of wisdom" contrasted with the "man of understanding." Chapters 10-15, in particular, are rich in such paired contrasts, often focusing on the power of the tongue, the nature of true wisdom, and the importance of righteous living in community. This verse specifically contributes to the recurring theme that one's inner disposition—whether rooted in divine wisdom or human folly—directly manifests in outward behavior, especially concerning speech and social interaction. It aligns with other proverbs that commend careful speech and condemn harmful words, such as [Proverbs 10:19](/proverbs/10-19 "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin") and [Proverbs 17:28](/proverbs/17-28 "Even a Fool is Considered Wise When Silent").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, community was paramount, and one's reputation and standing within that community were highly valued. Relationships were often face-to-face, and spoken words carried significant weight, capable of building up or tearing down. The concept of "neighbor" (Hebrew: _rea'_) was broad, encompassing not just those living nearby but fellow Israelites, friends, and even strangers within one's sphere of influence. Wisdom literature like Proverbs served as a moral compass, guiding individuals on how to live righteously within this communal framework. Contempt for a neighbor was a serious offense, undermining the social fabric and violating the foundational principle of loving one's fellow human being. The ability to "hold one's peace" was not merely a sign of quietness but of self-control and discernment, highly esteemed virtues in a culture where impulsive speech could lead to grave consequences.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several core themes found throughout Proverbs. Firstly, the overarching theme of **Wisdom vs. Folly** is central, presenting wisdom not merely as intellectual knowledge but as a practical, moral orientation that shapes one's entire life, especially one's interactions. Secondly, the **Power of Speech and Silence** is highlighted; the proverb demonstrates how words (or the lack thereof) are direct indicators of one's inner character. The foolish speak contemptuously, while the wise exercise prudent restraint. Thirdly, the **Dignity of the Neighbor** is implicitly affirmed; to despise one's neighbor is a mark of folly, suggesting that wisdom recognizes and respects the inherent worth of others. This theme resonates with the broader biblical call to love one's neighbor, a principle foundational to the Mosaic Law and later emphasized by Jesus ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "The Second Great Commandment")). Finally, the proverb touches on **Community Harmony**, showing how individual choices in speech and attitude contribute to either social cohesion or discord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **void (Hebrew, _châçêr'_):** From H2638, meaning "lacking; hence, without; destitute, fail, lack, have need." In this context, "void of wisdom" (often translated as "lacking heart" or "lacking sense" in other versions, as the Hebrew word for wisdom here, _lêb_, H3820, refers to the heart as the seat of intellect, will, and feelings) signifies a profound deficiency not merely in intellectual capacity but in moral and spiritual discernment. It indicates a person whose inner core is deficient in the understanding necessary for righteous living and proper social conduct.
* **despiseth (Hebrew, _bûwz'_):** From H936, a primitive root meaning "to disrespect; contemn, despise, utterly." This word conveys a strong sense of scorn, contempt, or treating someone as worthless. It's not just a passive dislike but an active devaluation and disregard for another person's dignity and worth. This attitude stems from the "void of wisdom" and leads to harmful words or actions.
* **understanding (Hebrew, _tâbûwn'_):** From H8394, meaning "intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice; discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom." This term denotes practical insight and discernment. A "man of understanding" is someone who possesses the ability to comprehend situations deeply, to weigh consequences, and to respond appropriately and prudently. This understanding is not merely academic but is applied to daily life and interpersonal relations.
* **holdeth his peace (Hebrew, _chârash'_):** From H2790, a primitive root meaning "to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate; figuratively, to devise (in a bad sense); hence (from the idea of secrecy) to be silent, to let alone." In this context, it specifically means "to be silent, keep quiet, or refrain from speaking." This silence is not born of ignorance or apathy, but from the discernment and prudence of the "man of understanding." It signifies a deliberate and wise choice to not engage in destructive, gossiping, or contemptuous speech, reflecting self-control and thoughtful consideration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour:"** This clause identifies the source of contemptuous behavior. A person lacking true wisdom—a deficiency of moral and spiritual discernment (the "heart" or _lêb_ as the seat of understanding)—is prone to viewing others with scorn and treating them as unworthy. This contempt is a direct manifestation of their inner folly, leading to words or actions that demean and disrespect those around them.
* **"but a man of understanding holdeth his peace."** This clause presents the stark contrast. In opposition to the foolish, the "man of understanding" (one who possesses practical insight and discernment, _tâbûwn_) demonstrates wisdom through restraint. His "holding his peace" (_chârash_) is an active choice to remain silent, indicating self-control, prudence, and a discerning awareness of when speech would be harmful or unnecessary. This silence preserves peace, avoids gossip, and reflects respect for others.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:12 primarily employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device sets two opposing ideas, actions, or characters against each other to highlight a moral or theological truth. Here, the "void of wisdom" is directly contrasted with the "man of understanding," and their respective actions—despising vs. holding peace—are presented as polar opposites. This stark **Contrast** serves to underscore the profound difference between folly and wisdom, not just in abstract thought but in tangible, interpersonal behavior. The phrase "void of wisdom" also uses a form of **Metonymy**, where "wisdom" (or "heart" in the Hebrew underlying the KJV's "wisdom") stands for the entire inner person's moral and intellectual capacity, indicating that a deficiency in this core leads to outward disrespect. The proverb's brevity and directness also lend it a **Didactic** quality, serving as a clear instruction on righteous conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 11:12 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of true wisdom, revealing it not as mere intellectual acumen but as a moral and spiritual disposition that shapes one's character and interactions. It underscores the biblical principle that our words and attitudes toward others are direct reflections of our inner state. A heart devoid of divine wisdom inevitably leads to contempt for the neighbor, a direct affront to God's command to love one another and recognize the inherent dignity of every person as created in His image. Conversely, true understanding, which flows from a heart aligned with God's wisdom, manifests in humility, self-control, and a discerning restraint in speech, fostering peace and respect. This proverb thus connects the pursuit of wisdom directly to the practice of righteous living and harmonious community.

* [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")
* [James 3:5-6](/james/3-5 "The Power of the Tongue")
* [Proverbs 17:28](/proverbs/17-28 "Even a Fool is Considered Wise When Silent")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 11:12 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to examine the depths of our own hearts and the outward expressions of our character, particularly in how we relate to those around us. In an age saturated with instant communication and often harsh public discourse, the proverb's wisdom is more pertinent than ever. Do we, in our thoughts and words, harbor contempt for our neighbors—be they colleagues, family members, or even strangers online whose views differ from our own? Or do we cultivate a spirit of understanding that leads to graciousness and, when necessary, wise silence? This proverb challenges us to resist the urge to quickly judge, criticize, or demean others. Instead, it calls us to cultivate a discerning heart that recognizes the inherent worth of every individual and chooses words (or silence) that build up rather than tear down. It reminds us that true strength lies not in the loudest voice, but often in the quietest, most thoughtful response, demonstrating a wisdom that prioritizes respect and peace over impulsive derision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific situations do I find myself prone to despising or speaking contemptuously of others?**
* **How does my use of social media and online communication reflect or contradict the wisdom found in this proverb?**
* **What does "holding my peace" look like in my daily interactions, and how can I practice it more intentionally?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper "understanding" (discernment) that enables me to respond with grace rather than contempt?**

### FAQ
**What does "void of wisdom" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Void of wisdom" (Hebrew: _chasar lev_) literally means "lacking heart" or "lacking sense/understanding." It's not merely an intellectual deficiency but points to a moral and spiritual emptiness. Such a person lacks the inner discernment and moral compass to navigate relationships righteously. Their folly manifests as a disregard for the dignity of others, leading them to "despise" or scorn their neighbor, rather than showing respect or empathy. This lack of wisdom impacts their character and conduct, making them prone to poor judgment and harmful speech.

**Why is "holding his peace" considered a sign of understanding?**

Answer: "Holding his peace" (Hebrew: _macharish_) is an active choice, not merely the absence of sound. For a "man of understanding" (_ish tevunah_), it signifies discernment, self-control, and prudence. This individual possesses the insight to know when speaking would be detrimental—leading to gossip, criticism, or unnecessary conflict—and when silence is the wiser, more respectful course of action. It demonstrates a mastery over one's impulses and a thoughtful consideration of the impact of one's words, aligning with other proverbs that commend careful speech, such as [Proverbs 21:23](/proverbs/21-23 "Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble").

**How does this proverb apply to modern communication, especially online?**

Answer: This proverb is profoundly relevant to modern communication. In an era of instant digital interactions, social media, and online commentary, the temptation to "despise" or scorn others through quick, often anonymous, judgments is pervasive. The "man void of wisdom" might readily post contemptuous remarks, engage in cyberbullying, or spread divisive rhetoric. Conversely, the "man of understanding" would exercise restraint, choosing silence over inflammatory comments, seeking to understand before judging, and contributing to respectful dialogue rather than fueling animosity. It calls for digital discernment and a conscious effort to uphold the dignity of others, even in virtual spaces, reflecting the principles found in [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the "man of understanding" and exposed the folly of those "void of wisdom." While the proverb speaks of human wisdom, Christ is revealed as the very **Wisdom of God** ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "Christ, Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). He never despised His neighbor; instead, He consistently demonstrated profound love, compassion, and respect for all people, especially the marginalized and outcast. His interactions with tax collectors, sinners, and the Samaritan woman ([John 4:7-26](/john/4-7 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")) exemplify a heart full of understanding that sought to uplift and redeem, never to scorn. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly demonstrated the virtue of holding His peace. Before His accusers, when reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "Christ's Example of Suffering")). His profound silence before Pilate and the chief priests ([Matthew 27:12](/matthew/27-12 "Jesus' Silence Before Accusers")) was not a sign of weakness but of divine understanding and resolute purpose, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His sovereign control even in suffering. Through His life, teachings on loving enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Love Your Enemies")), and His ultimate sacrifice, Jesus calls His followers to put off the folly that leads to contempt and to embrace His wisdom, which leads to love, humility, and prudent, grace-filled speech.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 10:19

¶ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.

1 Peter 2:23

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:

Luke 18:9

¶ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Luke 16:14

And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

Psalms 123:3

Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Psalms 123:4

Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, [and] with the contempt of the proud.

Proverbs 14:21

¶ He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy [is] he.