Proverbs 13:10

10 The only effect of pride is fighting; but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Proverbs 13:10 In-Context

8 A man will give his wealth in exchange for his life; but the poor will not give ear to sharp words.

9 There is a glad dawn for the upright man, but the light of the sinner will be put out.

10 The only effect of pride is fighting; but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.

11 Wealth quickly got will become less; but he who gets a store by the work of his hands will have it increased.

12 Hope put off is a weariness to the heart; but when what is desired comes, it is a tree of life.