A Proverb for the Day (11:12)
June 23rd, 2009“He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent” (Proverbs 11:12). In Hebrew, the concept of a neighbor and the concept of a friend are the same and the same word is used for both. Friends and neighbors are those who are often close to us in life. They share in our everyday triumphs and joy, but also our struggles and disappointment. Often a friend or neighbor is there to help when no one else can be or is willing (cf. Proverbs 18:24b). It wouldn’t make sense to despise and belittle such a person with our words, yet so many do exactly this. They talk behind their backs and make fun of them to others, they share entrusted secrets, they gossip and slander them, and otherwise betray their trust and friendship. Men and women of understanding do not vocalize every thought in their heads before thinking about it, they do not have to belittle others to feel good about themselves; they are loyal friends.
