Proverbs 13:10

10 A bad man does evil with insolence: but they that are judges of themselves are wise.

Proverbs 13:10 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 13:10

Only by pride cometh contention
Though it comes by other things, yet by this chiefly, and there are no contentions without it: or "truly", "verily", "certainly F4, by pride" Unless the words may be better rendered, "an empty man through pride will give contention" F5, or make it; such as are empty of knowledge and wisdom; and such are generally the most proud, and are very apt to raise contentions, and foment divisions: contentions in families, in neighbourhoods, in towns, cities, and countries, and in churches, are generally owing to pride; what contentions and confusions has the pride of the pope of Rome brought into kingdoms and states, into councils, and into the church of God! but with the well advised [is] wisdom:
such who are humble and modest will seek counsel of God; will consult the sacred oracles, and ask advice of those who are superior to them in knowledge and understanding; and so will neither raise contentions themselves, nor join with those that make them, but do all they can to lay them; these show that true wisdom is with them.


FOOTNOTES:

F4 (qr) "certe", Vatablus; "vere", Pagninus, Montanus, Merecrus.
F5 "Levis per superbiam dabit contentionam", Gejerus.

Proverbs 13:10 In-Context

8 A man's own wealth is the ransom of his life: but the poor endures not threatening.
9 The righteous always have light: but the light of the ungodly is quenched. Crafty souls go astray in sins: but just men pity, and are merciful.
10 A bad man does evil with insolence: but they that are judges of themselves are wise.
11 Wealth gotten hastily with iniquity is diminished: but he that gathers for himself with godliness shall be increased. The righteous is merciful, and lends.
12 Better is he that begins to help heartily, than he that promises and leads to hope: for a good desire is a tree of life.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.