Proverbs 17:19

19 The lover of fighting is a lover of sin: he who makes high his doorway is looking for destruction.

Proverbs 17:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 17:19

He loveth transgression that loveth strife
For strife is transgression, when it flows from a malignant spirit, is with bad views, about things to no profit, and for contention's sake; otherwise to contend earnestly for the truth; to strive together for the faith of the Gospel, for matters of moment and importance, and not mere words; to strive lawfully in a cause that is just, and for truth and justice, is commendable and praiseworthy; [and] he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction;
that opens the door of his lips, and speaks proudly, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret it; who compare it with ( Micah 7:5 ) ; who set their mouths against heaven, and God in it; and whose tongue walks through the earth, and spares none there, ( Psalms 73:8 Psalms 73:9 ) ; as antichrist, who opens his mouth in blasphemy against God and his tabernacle, and exalts himself above all that is called God; and such, sooner or later, bring destruction on themselves, and find it as surely as if they sought for it. Or this may be understood of proud ambitious persons, that build houses more magnificent than their substance will allow of, the gate being put for the whole; by which means they bring themselves to ruin. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions, have it in ( Proverbs 17:16 ) , "he that buildeth his house high"; or who behaves proudly.

Proverbs 17:19 In-Context

17 A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble.

18 A man without sense gives his hand in an agreement, and makes himself responsible before his neighbour.

19 The lover of fighting is a lover of sin: he who makes high his doorway is looking for destruction.

20 Nothing good comes to him whose heart is fixed on evil purposes: and he who has an evil tongue will come to trouble.

21 He who has an unwise son gets sorrow for himself, and the father of a foolish son has no joy.