Proverbs 11:12

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about how we treat others:

Proverbs 11:12 (ESV Strong's)

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,

but a man of understanding remains silent.

Proverbs 11:12 (NASV)

He who despises his neighbor lacks sense,

But a man of understanding keeps silent.

Proverbs 11:12 (NIV)

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,

but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

It is often easy for us to point out the bad in our friends and neighbors.  It doesn't take much to notice their hypocrisy or inconsistency.   We can speak up and ridicule them or we can keep silent.  This seems to be the truth expressed here in this proverb.   Wise men know when to be silent.   They can be silent because they know that God is in the know and in control.   Wise men don't have to ridicule their neighbor, they know that God takes care of these things (see Romans 12).  There is a balance with this truth, however.  In Galatians 6:1 and James 5 we are told to watch our brother who falls and restore them in a proper way.   Solomon is not telling us to avoid areas where we can help our brother.   He is telling us that we ought to be silent rather than despising them or berating them.   He who can hold his tongue until a proper time to talk is a wise man.   We don't always have to say something at that moment.   Silence is a profitable thing when done in the right way and for the right reasons.