Proverbs 13:10

10 By insolence the heedless make strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

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 ransom of a man's life is his wealth, but a poor man has no means of redemption.
9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10 By insolence the heedless make strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.
11 Wealth hastily gotten will dwindle, but he who gathers little by little will increase it.
12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.