In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked”, and in chapter eleven and verse twelve of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor” where we read,
He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor: but a man of understanding holds his peace.
The verse begins, “He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor:” Solomon began with the words, “he that is void of wisdom” or “the person whether male or female who is destitute, failing, lacking and in need of skill, shrewdness and prudence” “despises his neighbor” which means “holds in contempt, makes insignificant and utterly disrespects his, the person void of wisdom's, friend, companion and intimate fellow citizen”. Solomon shared how a person who is lacking in shrewdness and prudence holds their fellow-citizen in contempt.
The verse goes on to say, “but a man of understanding holds his peace.” Solomon continued with the words, “but a man of understanding” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover a person whether male or female who holds, owns and possesses intelligence, skill, insight, discretion, reason and skillfulness” “holds his peace” which means “engraves, devises and keeps quiet his, the person of understanding's, silence and secrecy”. Solomon said a person who is intelligent and insightful keeps silence and secrecy over matters with his “neighbor”.
When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how there is a difference between a person who holds their fellow-citizens in contempt and those who keep their mouths silent about them. God loves us, and He wants us to be “wise” with our “neighbors” and to love them. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, not only will He forgive our sins and grant us everlasting life, but He will also give us the “wisdom” to know how to be silent with our “neighbors” and anyone else we encounter in our lives. (See Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14 and James 2:8)
Next time Solomon says, “a tale bearer reveals secrets”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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