Amplified Bible
Proverbs 11:12
12He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent.
Proverbs 11:12 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
- New International Version (NIV)Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
- New King James Version (NKJV)He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace.
Context of Proverbs 11:12
10When it goes well for the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. 11By the blessing [of the influence] of the upright the city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent. 13He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden. 14Where there is no [wise, intelligent] guidance, the people fall [and go off course like a ship without a helm], But in the abundance of [wise and godly] counselors there is victory.
Read all of Proverbs 11Proverbs 11:12 word by word
בָּז־לְרֵעֵ֥הוּ חֲסַר־לֵ֑ב וְאִ֖ישׁ תְּבוּנ֣וֹת יַחֲרִֽישׁ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 11:12
- Judges 9:27They went out into the field, gathered the grapes of their vineyard and trod them, and held a festival; and they entered the house of their god, and they ate and drank, and cursed Abimelech.
- Nehemiah 4:2He spoke before his brothers and the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore it for themselves? Can they offer sacrifices? Can they finish in a day? Can they revive the stones from the heaps of dust and rubbish, even the ones that have been burned?”
- Psalms 123:3Be gracious to us, O Lord, be gracious and favorable toward us, For we are greatly filled with contempt.
- Luke 16:14Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were sneering and ridiculing Him.
- Luke 18:9He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves and were confident that they were righteous [posing outwardly as upright and in right standing with God], and who viewed others with contempt:
- John 7:48Has any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him?
- Proverbs 10:19When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable, But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise.
- 1 Samuel 10:27But some worthless men said, “How can this man save and rescue us?” And they regarded Saul with contempt and did not bring him a gift. But he ignored the insult and kept silent.
- 2 Kings 18:36But the people kept silent and did not answer him, for the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.”
- 1 Peter 2:23While being reviled and insulted, He did not revile or insult in return; while suffering, He made no threats [of vengeance], but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges fairly.
Commentaries on Proverbs 11:12
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 12He that is void of wisdom - A foolish man is generally abundant in his censures; he dwells on the defects of his neighbor, and is sure to bring them into the most prominent view. But a man of understanding - a prudent, sensible man, hides those defects wherever he can, and puts the most charitable construction on those which he cannot conceal.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 12None but the man “void of wisdom” will show contempt for those about him. The wise man, if he cannot admire or praise, will at least know how to be silent.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 12Verse 12 A man of understanding does not judge of others by their success.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1212. despiseth--or, "reviles," a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise. holdeth his peace--as if neither hearing nor telling.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 11:12
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 11
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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