Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:12, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
American Standard Version
He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
World English Bible version
One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
Proverbs 11:12Meaning & Commentary
To belittle means to despise someone, put them down, speak badly about them, or regard them with contempt. Proverbs 11:12 says that if someone does this, they lack sense. There is not one benefit of belittling someone. Not for the person being belittled, nor for the one doing the belittling. As believers, we understand that every person is created in the image of God: Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. When we step back and think about it, we belittle God’s creation. Only a person lacking sense would do that.
The Bible also speaks about how there is purpose locked up inside of people and how a person of understanding will draw that purpose out of them: Proverbs 20:5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. A man of understanding realizes there is much more to everyone than meets the eye. We are all created unique and with our unique gifts and talents. The Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made: Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. The second part of Proverbs 11:12 says that a man of understanding remains silent.
We all get frustrated and annoyed with people sometimes. Although we are all made in the image of God, the reality is that not everyone behaves that way a lot of the time. A man of understanding chooses to remain silent, not explode and blurt out all his frustrations and anger. It is a valuable skill and characteristic to rule our spirit and be slow to anger: Proverbs 16:32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:12 to our lives?
Firstly, Proverbs 11:12 serves as a reminder that if we lack sense, we could fall into the trap of belittling our neighbor. We are commanded to get Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom throughout Proverbs. So, it is not about trying our best to have sense but about what we chase after. If we chase after Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom, then we will not lack sense. We will therefore understand and realize that the person we are belittling, looking down upon, or speaking evil about is created in the image of God and is carrying something unique and special that we may need!
Yes, the person we may be belittling could be carrying something that will propel us forward and to the next level. We cannot say to one another that we don’t need each other, especially fellow believers in the body of Christ: 1 Corinthians 12:15. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. We also need to constantly practice (Wirth God’s help) restraining our spirits when we feel like letting loose and saying words in anger. Let’s strive to be like the man of understanding who chooses to remain silent.
There is a popular belief amongst many people to always speak your mind – That is not good advice! Yes, we need to communicate sometimes so that other people know what we are thinking – Friends, spouse, people at work, etc. But we should not just blurt out whatever is on our mind; it can cause great harm and hurt to those around us!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, please forgive me where I may not have recognized the value of other people. I know that all people are created in your image, with unique gifts, talents, and abilities. Please increase Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom in my life.
Help me to see people the way that you see them and help me to guard my words and only speak that which would build others up, not break them down or tear them up. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
