What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:12?

Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor

“Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor…” (Proverbs 11:12a)

• Contempt is more than a fleeting annoyance; it is a settled attitude of disdain, the opposite of the love commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and affirmed by Jesus in Matthew 22:39.

• Treating others as worthless denies their God-given value (Genesis 1:27) and undermines community harmony pictured in Psalm 133:1.

• Such contempt aligns with the hatred condemned in 1 John 3:15, revealing a heart disconnected from the life of Christ (John 13:34-35).

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lacks judgment

“…lacks judgment…” (Proverbs 11:12b)

• Scripture links sound judgment with fearing the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). When contempt rules, discernment departs.

• Proverbs 6:32 notes that immoral choices display a “lack of sense”; similarly, despising a neighbor exposes moral folly.

• By dismissing those near us, we ignore God’s design that wisdom be lived out in daily relationships (James 3:17-18).

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but a man of understanding

“…but a man of understanding…” (Proverbs 11:12c)

• “Understanding” in Proverbs conveys insight shaped by reverence for God (Proverbs 9:10).

• A person who truly grasps God’s ways values people as He does (Philippians 2:3-4).

• This mindset fuels patience and self-control highlighted in Proverbs 14:29 and displayed by Christ in Luke 23:34.

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remains silent

“…remains silent.” (Proverbs 11:12d)

• Silence here is not apathy but disciplined restraint (Proverbs 17:27-28).

• Holding the tongue prevents reckless words that wound (Proverbs 12:18) and honors the command in James 1:19 to be “slow to speak.”

• Jesus modeled purposeful silence before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12-14), showing that silence can be a powerful testimony of trust in God.

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summary

Proverbs 11:12 contrasts two heart postures. Contempt for a neighbor reveals a void of godly judgment, while understanding turns potential criticism into quiet restraint. Wisdom sees every person as precious, guards the tongue, and mirrors the Savior’s gracious silence.