He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
Ver. 12. He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour.] Not remembering that he is his neighbour, cut out of the same cloth, the shears only going between, and as capable of heaven as himself, though never so poor, mean, deformed, or otherwise despicable. None but a fool will do so - none but he that hath a base and beggarly heart of his own, as the words signify.
But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.] That is, Refraineth his tongue from such opprobrious language, speaketh the best he can of another, thinks with himself -
“ Aut sumus, aut fuimus, aut possumus esse quod hic est. ”
“Or we are, or will be, or are able to be what this is.”
Or, if himself be slighted or reviled, abiecta probra digno supplicio punit, festivo scilicet contemptu et oblivione, vel si tanti est, misericordia elevat. He knows it is to no purpose to wash off dirt with dirt, and is therefore as a dumb man, &c.