Dwelling on the Defects

(Pro 11:12 KJV)  He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

It is so easy to despise others.  This does not mean that we cannot have an honest opinion of people we know.  It means that the opinion is based on discerning knowledge, not a bad attitude.  Adam Clarke, an 18th century Bible scholar, had this comment.

“A foolish man is generally abundant in his censures; he dwells on the defects of his neighbor, and is sure to bring them into the most prominent view.

I like that expression “dwelling on the defects” of others.  Looking for the things that are wrong can become a lifetime quest.  The word “despises” (936) carries the idea of looking down our nose at someone.

So?  Honesty is the best policy.  Someone said that.  Honesty starts with ourselves.  See sin for what it is.  See evil as evil.  Don’t make it a pattern of lifting up yourself by pushing someone else down.