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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 11:12-13

I. Silence is here recommended as an instance of true friendship, and a preservative of it, and therefore an evidence, 1. Of wisdom: A man of understanding, that has rule over his own spirit, if he be provoked, holds his peace, that he may neither give vent to his passion nor kindle the passion of others by any opprobrious language or peevish reflections. 2. Of sincerity: He that is of a faithful spirit, that is true, not only to his own promise, but to the interest of his friend, conceals... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 11:12

He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour ,.... Not only in his heart, but by giving him opprobrious language; he speaks contemptibly of him, either because he thinks he is wiser than his neighbour, and therefore calls him fool at every turn; as those who are most destitute of wisdom conceit they have the largest share of it, and despise others; or else because he is richer than his neighbour, as the poor is generally despised by the rich; or because he fancies he is holier than he,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 11:12

He 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 more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 11:3-31

The pricelessness of integrity We have here a view of the exceeding worth of moral integrity, or of righteousness; we see what, in the judgment of the wise, it will do for its possessor. It will— I. DIRECT HIS WAY . "The integrity of the upright shall guide them; …the righteousness of the perfect [ i.e. the upright] shall direct his way" ( Proverbs 11:3-5 ). And we read. ( Proverbs 10:9 ) that "he that walketh uprightly walketh surely." The man who honestly and earnestly... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 11:12

He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor; uses words of contempt about his neighbour. Septuagint, "sneers at his fellow citizens." The following clause indicates that contemptuous language is chiefly intended. Holdeth his peace. An intelligent man is slow to condemn, makes allowance for others' difficulties, and, if he cannot approve, at least knows how to be silent. Nam nulli tacuisse nocet nocet esse locutum . "Speech is silver," says the proverb, "silence is golden."... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 11:12-15

Social sins denounced I. THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL SIN . It dissolves mutual bonds of confidence, corrupts and disintegrates the social order and stability. In the mixed condition of human character and society there are elements of weakness and elements of strength. Our speech about others and behaviour to them tends either to bring out their weaknesses, so promoting discontent, suspicion, and distrust, or it. tends to bring out their good qualities, so promoting genial confidence... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 11:12-13

Proverbs 11:12-13. He that is void of wisdom Of knowledge, prudence, and grace; despiseth his neighbour Which he shows by contemptuous or reproachful expressions; but a man of understanding holdeth his peace Forbears all such expressions, and silently and patiently bears all these reproaches. It is a great weakness to speak contemptuously of any man, or to endeavour to render him ridiculous, though he may have erred, because he possibly may return to a right way of thinking and acting... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 11:1-31

Prosperity; uprightness; generosity (11:1-31)People are foolish to try to get rich by dishonest methods, because dishonesty brings judgment from which riches cannot save (11:1-4). By their blameless conduct, people ensure their ultimate victory; by crookedness they ensure their downfall (5-8). When good people have influence in a city, the citizens live in peace and happiness. But each city also has its troublemakers, who are a nuisance to their neighbours and create unrest in the community... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 11:12

wisdom. Hebrew "heart", put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for sense. despiseth = reproacheth: in contrast with the next line. man. Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 11:12

"He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.""He who belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent."[12] The first and great commandment is to love God ... and to "Love thy neighbor as thyself." This stands both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament (Mark 12:31). read more

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