Proverbs 11:12

“He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour, etc.] 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, as the Pharisee who trusts in himself that he is righteous, and despises others: or a man “that wants a heart”f299, as it may be rendered; that wants a good one, or wants grace in his heart; he despises…”

“despiseth--or, "reviles," a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise. holdeth his peace--as if neither hearing nor telling.”

“None 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. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Despiseth - Which he shews by contemptuous or reproachful expressions. Holdeth peace - Forbears all such expressions, and silently and patiently bears those reproaches. Proverbs 11:13”

“that: Jdg 9:27-29, Jdg 9:38; Neh 4:2-4; Psa 123:3, Psa 123:4; Luk 16:14, Luk 18:9; Joh 7:48-52 void of wisdom: Heb. destitute of heart a man: Pro 10:19; Sa1 10:27; Kg2 18:36; Pe1 2:23 Proverbs 11:13”

“There now follow two proverbs which refer to the intercourse of private life. He who mocketh his neighbour is devoid of understanding; But the intelligent man remaineth silent. Pro 14:21 is a proverb similarly beginning with בּז לרעהוּ, Pro 13:13 is another beginning with בּז לדבר. From this one sees that בּוּז ל (cf. בּזה ל, Isa 37:22) does not mean a speaking contemptuously in one's presence; as also from Pro 6:30, that contemptuous treatment, which expresses itself not in mockery but in insult, is thus named; so that we do not possess a German \[nor an English\] expression which completely covers it. Whoever in a derisive or insulting manner, whether it be publicly or privately, degrades…”