Proverbs 13:10

10 Only by insolence is strife set up, and wisdom [is] with those who take advice.

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 the life of a man [is] his wealth, but the poor does not receive a threat.

9 The light of the righteous will rejoice, but the lamp of the wicked will die out.

10 Only by insolence is strife set up, and wisdom [is] with those who take advice.

11 Wealth [gained] from haste will dwindle, but he who gathers {little by little} will increase it.

12 Hope that is deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled [is] a tree of life.