Proverbs 11:12 - Have Sense, Keep Silent

Proverbs 11:12

He who despises his neighbor lacks sense,

But a man of understanding keeps silent. 

Message: Have sense, keep silent

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Amazing, I was just dialoguing with a person that I felt like was being a little rough to another person and sent the note. 

I am involved in an online ministry in which we I have spiritual conversations with people through a secure email client. I support other online ministries as a leader for about 25 people. One of those individuals I noticed in her correspondence she seem to be Expecting people to adhere to her conversation script, and when they didn’t, I noticed her belittling them.

Is this verse talks about despising your neighbor to me? It is partly talking about belittling your neighbor, or thinking less of your neighbor for any reason.  For doing that it lacks sense or like Good sense. The difficulty I am having with this individual, though is she does not recognize The way she is speaking. She’s having trouble understanding or taking the time to understand the individual because she’s more concerned that they simply follow the script or the intended path. She wants to walk them through. Granted that path is one of scripture and encouraging them to walk with God and trust him. But sometimes people are not receptive to that and first would like their request met. 

The counter or the opposite to this verse is a person who has understanding stay silent. I’m not thinking this means that the person does not speak, but perhaps it’s simply silent in a critical way and if anything is encouraging if a word is spoken.

The Pulpit commentary says, "An intelligent man is slow to condemn, makes allowance for others' difficulties, and, if he cannot approve, at least knows how to be silent."

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember to always be sensitive to people's needs but also have wisdom and understanding. I need to hold my tongue and be quiet and seek guidance from the Lord for what to say. 

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