Proverbs 11:12 (BSB)

Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.

From Proverbs 11. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 11:12

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 11:12-13: I. Silence is here recommended as an instance of true friendship, and a preservative of it, and therefore an evidence, 1. Of wisdom: A man of understanding, that has rule over his own spirit, if he be provoked, holds his peace, that he may neither give vent to his passion nor kindle the passion of others by any opprobrious language or peevish reflections. 2.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 11:12: He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour,.... 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...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 11:12: despiseth--or, "reviles," a course contrasted with the prudent silence of the wise. holdeth his peace--as if neither hearing nor telling.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 11:12: He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. (f) Will not make light report of others.