Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comKeil and Delitzsch Commentary - Proverbs 11:12 - 11:12
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
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 בָּז לְרֵעֵהוּ, Pro 13:13 is another beginning with בָּז לְדָבָר. From this one sees that בּוּז לְ (cf. בָּזָה לְ, 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 his neighbour, is unwise (חֲסַר־לֵב as pred., like Pro 6:32); an intelligent man, on the contrary, keeps silent, keeps his judgment to himself, abstains from arrogant criticisms, for he knows that he is not infallible, that he is not acquainted with the heart, and he possesses too much self-knowledge to raise himself above his neighbour as a judge, and thinks that contemptuous rejection, unamiable, reckless condemnation, does no good, but on the contrary does evil on all sides.