by Bruce Billington

Weekly Devotional 1st of May, 2026

In this session, we will look at Proverbs Chapter 11.

Proverbs 11:12-14 – “He who despises his neighbour lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent. 13 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. 14 Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but in abundance of counsellors there is victory.”

These verses teach that private words should not be repeated in later conversations with others. A trustworthy person is one who always keeps confidences. Great damage can occur when someone shares something in confidence, only to discover that others have quickly learned about it. A person who reveals secrets can never be trusted. 

The main point here is that all sorts of conflict and disagreement can come from words. Someone says something that triggers a fight with another person or among others, and things quickly get worse. Those who cause trouble in this way often do so out of hatred, not love. The word translated as 'stir up' means to awaken. This proverb highlights discord that wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been stirred up through gossip, often shared with malicious intent. 

There are many scenarios in which a person can arouse or provoke others’ anger. But pay close attention to the clear message of this verse: those who create contention are displaying hatred.

The commandment to love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 5:43, Galatians 5:14) forbids harmful speech, including slander, whether it's gossip or an attempt to hurt others. Righteous people lift and encourage others with their words. Their mouths are a wellspring of life to those they speak to. Like a fountain that constantly provides cool, refreshing water, righteous people build up others through what they say.

People who display love let matters of potential conflict sleep—they do not awaken them. Those who act in love strive to keep peace with others. They do not bring up past events or issues they know will create unnecessary conflict. They resolve matters promptly before they grow into a root of bitterness (Ephesians 4:26; Hebrews 12:15). People who truly love others forgive them when they do wrong.

Those who are wise can apply God’s Word to life’s situations and help others make the right decisions. Those who desire to be wise recognise this trait in others and learn from the words that come from their lips. People who lack understanding display their ignorance and foolishness in the things they say. They will be chastened for their foolish speaking and actions. 

So, the question is, “How do wise people acquire knowledge?” The POSB offers some useful advice. Although its comment is lengthy, it’s worth quoting in full. 

First, they see it as great wealth, so they pursue, collect, and treasure it greatly. The book of Proverbs teaches that wise disciples, layup knowledge... which they get by reading, prayer, meditation, hearing the Word of God, and conversation with good people: this they store in their hearts, minds, and memories, so that they may not forget it, and as a rich treasure they highly value it; that they may bring it forth at proper times, and on proper occasions, for the benefit of others.

Second, they guard and protect the knowledge they gain by reviewing and applying it as they walk throughout life each and every day.

Third, they do not foolishly share the knowledge they have. They do not speak carelessly, and they do not feel the need to impress people by telling everything they know. They speak when the occasion is right, not just to be heard.

This subject is so important that it is mentioned several times in Scripture. Some examples are below. Any time you spend looking them up and meditating on them will be a blessing to you.

Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; James 1:19-21; James 1:26; 1 Peter 3:10; Proverbs 13:3.