Posted on 04/11/2020 6:56:57 AM PDT by Pilgrim's Progress
“He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace” (Proverbs 11:12 KJV).
“He that is void [lacking, empty] of wisdom despiseth his neighbour,” wisdom is how you use what you know, so this is a person that doesn’t think things out. What good is it going to do any one to hate their neighbor? Are the feelings or emotions of hate going to do him any good, or anyone else? This is a man that is unable to forget and forgive. He carries his grudges until they become a festering sore.
There is no reason to ruin your own life because someone else wants to ruin theirs. And to carry angry thoughts about another doesn’t hurt that person in the least. It only creates tension in your own life, even creating bile which can affect the liver. It will eat you alive. Because of a lack of wisdom, one feels that he must hold a grudge against another. They think, “What do you expect me to do? He did this to me, and they said this to me, and I’m going to get even!” Okay, spend the rest of your life wallowing in hatred and see where it gets you.
Solomon warned here against backbiting or insulting your neighbor. Wise men do not proudly despise others in their hearts or with words. They will hold back detracting or sneering words that fools or wicked men are often quick to say. They know all men are more similar than they are different, so contempt from one about another is not justified.
The limited context is the following proverb, which condemns talebearing, another verbal sin. “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 12:2). Talebearing is telling anything about another person, even if it is true, that is neither necessary nor helpful to their reputation. It is a very common sin.
“. . . but a man of understanding holdeth his peace,” here is a man that turns it over to God. He doesn’t condemn, he doesn’t judge, he just says, “Lord, You take care of it.” It may not be the easiest way to handle it, but for your own good it is the best way.
“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment” (James 2:13 KJV).
When you begin to condemn somebody else, and you find yourself plotting revenge against somebody else—look out! With the amount of mercy you have toward them is how you will be handled. It’s best to have mercy.
If anyone would like to be added to the ping list, please let me know either by post or by p.m.
For more books on all topics of the Bible, visit my web site at:
Very good post..most helpful to me today in words that are meaningful and easy to grasp and then put into practice.
PLEASE put me on the list to receive these threads. Thank you
I’m happy to add you to the list!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.