Proverbs 13:10

10 Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.

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 The rich can be sued for everything they have, but the poor are free of such threats.
9 The lives of good people are brightly lit streets; the lives of the wicked are dark alleys.
10 Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other's counsel.
11 Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off.
12 Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.