Pro 11:12 | KingComments | STEP | He who despises his neighbor proves that he lacks sense, literally, that he is “without heart” ( ). Such a person completely lacks self-knowledge. He also expresses his contempt. This is evident in the second line of verse. Someone who has an understanding of who he himself is will not express contempt for his neighbor, but “keeps silent”. He realizes that his neighbor is no less than himself and that he himself is like his neighbor. The standard for the Christian is even higher: he will regard the other “with humility of mind as more important than himself” ( ; ). A person “who goes about as a talebearer” is evil and not to be trusted ( ; cf. ). If something is entrusted to him in secret, he will gladly make it public. Opposed to the talebearer is the person who is “trustworthy”. If something is said to him in confidence, he will conceal that matter and not make it public. He does not abuse the trust that has been given to him and therefore will not harm and shame the one who has confided in him.

‏ Proverbs 11:12

Understanding and Trustworthiness

He who despises his neighbor proves that he lacks sense, literally, that he is “without heart” (Pro 11:12). Such a person completely lacks self-knowledge. He also expresses his contempt. This is evident in the second line of verse. Someone who has an understanding of who he himself is will not express contempt for his neighbor, but “keeps silent”. He realizes that his neighbor is no less than himself and that he himself is like his neighbor. The standard for the Christian is even higher: he will regard the other “with humility of mind as more important than himself” (Phil 2:3; Eph 4:25).

A person “who goes about as a talebearer” is evil and not to be trusted (Pro 11:13; cf. 1Tim 5:13). If something is entrusted to him in secret, he will gladly make it public. Opposed to the talebearer is the person who is “trustworthy”. If something is said to him in confidence, he will conceal that matter and not make it public. He does not abuse the trust that has been given to him and therefore will not harm and shame the one who has confided in him.