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…

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.

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…

despiseth i.e. shews his contempt openly, makes no effort to conceal it (μυκτηρίζει, LXX.), and so contrasts with the man of "wisdom" (heart, Heb.), who, whatever he thinks, keeps his thoughts to…