“He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.”
— Proverbs 11:12 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
Imagine this: you’re at a family dinner, and someone just drops a ridiculous opinion right in your lap. Your first instinct might be to raise an eyebrow, toss out a witty (but slightly cutting) remark, and show everyone that you’ve got it all figured out. But this verse says that while zingers are fun, there’s actually a much smarter play. It’s suggesting that true wisdom isn’t about having the last word; it’s about knowing when to leave words unsaid.
Think of it this way: holding your tongue isn’t just about avoiding a fight; it’s about recognizing that words can land harder than we realize. They can wound, they can divide, and they can certainly escalate things that don’t need escalating. Sometimes restraint is the real power move.
Plus, if we’re honest, when we make a little snarky remark about someone else, it often says more about our own insecurities than about whatever it is they’re doing. Proverbs gets this. It’s saying, “Hey, if you’ve got real understanding, you don’t need to point out every flaw or laugh at every oddity.” Wisdom doesn’t need applause.
And here’s the funny part: holding back might even make people think you’re extra wise. Because while everyone’s tossing opinions around, you’re the one sitting there, quiet and collected. People might start wondering, “Wow, they must know something we don’t.”
Personal Prayer
Lord, you know my heart and all the words that I want to say—even the ones that aren’t always kind. Help me to grow in wisdom and in patience, so I learn to pause before speaking. Give me a spirit that seeks to understand others instead of rushing to judgment, and a heart that chooses peace over pride.
Lord, teach me to value silence when words aren’t needed, and to hold my tongue when what I have to say doesn’t bring life. May I reflect Your love in every interaction, treating others with the grace and gentleness that you continually show me. Shape my words to build up, never to tear down, and let my silence speak just as powerfully as my speech.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.