Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 13:10
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
10. Only by pride cometh ] Rather, By pride cometh only, R.V. Pride is sure to rouse opposition and lead to contention; whereas wisdom belongs to those who accept advice and avoid disputes.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Either:
(1) By pride alone comes contention – that is the one unfailing spring of quarrels; or
(2) By pride comes contention only – it, and it alone, is the fruit of pride.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Pro 13:10
Only by pride cometh contention, but with the well-advised is wisdom.
Pride and humility
By a proud man we mean one who esteems himself better than others; by a humble man, one who esteems others better than himself. What are the evil effects of pride?
1. It cuts off a man from all the salutary effects of reproof, rebuke, criticism, and counsel, without which it is not possible for any of us to become wise.
2. By pride comes nothing but strife, and he loveth transgression that loveth strife. It is the pride of monarchs and nations that produces war. In the affairs of private life our pride, rather than our sense of right, usually creates, fosters, and embitters divisions, alienations, and quarrels. All the foolish extravagances of social competition are to be traced to the same source. From first to last the haughty spirit is a curse and a torment to every one, and not least to itself. It is like a cold and biting wind. It breaks the heart of the humble, it excites the passions of the wrathful, it corrupts the conduct of the weak.
3. Pride is hateful to God. The proud man, whether he knows it or not, comes into direct conflict with God; he is pitting himself against the Omnipotent. If God is to dwell in a human heart at all, it must be in one which has been emptied of all pride, one which has, as it were, thrown down all the barriers of self-importance, and laid itself open to the incoming Spirit. (R. F. Horton, D. D.)
Pride and contention
When pride and passion meet on both sides, it cannot but be that a fire will be kindled; when hard flints strike together, the sparks will fly about; but a soft, mild spirit is a great preserver of its own peace, kills the power of contests, as woolpacks, or such-like soft matter, most deaden the force of bullets. (T. Leighton.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 10. By pride cometh contention] Perhaps there is not a quarrel among individuals in private life, nor a war among nations, that does not proceed from pride and ambition. Neither man nor nation will be content to be less than another; and to acquire the wished-for superiority all is thrown into general confusion, both in public and private life. It was to destroy this spirit of pride, that Jesus was manifested in the extreme of humility and humiliation among men. The salvation of Christ is a deliverance from pride, and a being clothed with humility. As far as we are humble, so far we are saved.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Only by pride cometh contention; which is not to be understood exclusively as to all other causes; for contentions oft spring from ignorance, or mistake, or covetousness, or other passions: but eminently, because as pride bloweth up those coals of contention which other lusts kindle, so ofttimes pride alone, without any other cause, stirreth up strife; which it doth by making a man self-conceited in his opinions, and obstinate in his resolutions, and impatient of any opposition, and many other ways.
With the well-advised, who are not governed by their own passions, but by prudent consideration, and the good counsel of others, is wisdom; which teacheth them to avoid and abhor all contention.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. The obstinacy which attendsself-conceit, produces contention, which the well-advised, thusevincing modesty, avoid.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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 d, by pride”, c. Unless the words may be better rendered, “an empty man through pride will give contention” e, 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.
d “certe”, Vatablus; “vere”, Pagninus, Montanus, Merecrus. e “Levis per superbiam dabit contentionam”, Gejerus.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
10 Nothing comes by pride but contention;
But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.
The restrictive (only) does not, according to the sense, belong to (by pride), but to , vid., under Psa 32:6 and Job 2:10. Of = there is, vid., under Pro 10:24. Bertheau’s “one causes” is not exact, for “one” [ man ] is the most general personal subject, but is in such cases to be regarded as impersonal: by pride is always a something which causes nothing but quarrel and strife, for the root of pride is egoism. Line second is a variant to Pro 11:2. Bescheidenheit (modesty) is in our old [German] language exactly equivalent to Klugheit (prudence). But here the are more exactly designated as permitting themselves to be advised; the elsewhere reciprocal has here once a tolerative signification, although the reciprocal is also allowable: with such as reciprocally advise themselves, and thus without positiveness supplement each his own knowledge by means of that of another. Most interpreters regard 10b as a substantival clause, but why should not be carried forward? With such as permit themselves to be advised, or are not too proud to sustain with others the relation of giving and receiving, there is wisdom, since instead of hatred comes wisdom – the peaceful fruit resulting from an interchange of views.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Note, 1. Foolish pride is the great make-bate. Would you know whence come wars and fightings? They come from this root of bitterness. Whatever hand other lusts may have in contention (passion, envy, covetousness), pride has the great hand; it is its pride that it will itself sow discord and needs no help. Pride makes men impatient of contradiction in either their opinions or their desires, impatient of competition and rivalship, impatient of contempt, or any thing that looks like a slight, and impatient of concession, and receding, from a conceit of certain right and truth on their side; and hence arise quarrels among relations and neighbours, quarrels in states and kingdoms, in churches and Christian societies. Men will be revenged, will not forgive, because they are proud. 2. Those that are humble and peaceable are wise and well advised. Those that will ask and take advice, that will consult their own consciences, their Bibles, their ministers, their friends, and will do nothing rashly, are wise, as in other things, so in this, that they will humble themselves, will stoop and yield, to preserve quietness and prevent quarrels.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Fruit of Pride
Verse 10 affirms that arrogance, the inflated view that one’s opinion is superior, is the cause of contention. In contrast is the wisdom of open-minded consideration of new ideas and other opinions, Pro 8:13; Pro 16:5; Pro 16:18; Pro 11:14; Pro 15:22.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
CRITICAL NOTES.
Pro. 13:10. This may be read Only by pride cometh contention, or by pride cometh only (nothing but) contention.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF Pro. 13:10
THE PARENT OF STRIFE
I. Unlawful contention is the offspring of pride. If she is not her only child, she is her eldest-born. Scripture language more than hints that pride was the beginning of contention among the angels. Paul, speaking of the qualifications of a bishop or teacher, tells Timothy that such an one is in danger of being lifted up with pride, and thus falling into the condemnation of the devil (1Ti. 3:6), thus seeming to indicate that pride was at the bottom of all the contention that is at present going on in the universe between light and darkness, between good and evil. From the pride of this fallen star has come contention in heaven, and earth, and hell.
He it was whose guile,
Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceived
The mother of mankind; what time his pride
Had cast him out from heaven, with all his host
Of rebel angels, by whose aid aspiring
To set himself in glory bove his peers,
He trusted to have equalled the Most High,
If he opposed, and with ambitious aim,
Against the throne and monarchy of God,
Raised impious war in heaven, and battle proud,
With vain attempt.
And in the history of mans dealings with man pride is the root of contention. Whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (Jas. 4:1). And is not the lust of pride, or envy, which is her foster-sister, the great cause of all domestic, and social, and national contentions? Has it not been the cause of every unrighteous war from the days of Chedorlaomer to the present century? And pride breeds contention on a narrower battle-ground still. It often creates war in the human spirit. Pride brings contention between duty and inclination, and, although there is no bloodshed, the contest is often very sharp and painful. The fact that by pride cometh contention is so plain that it may be said to be written upon the scroll of time, like Ezekiels roll, within and without. It is impossible that it should be otherwise. Pride is a thinking more of ourselves than we arean over-estimation of our own worth. This must lead us to strive for supremacy over others who are our equals, or even our superiors. This must bring contention, for they will not willingly accord to us that to which we have no lawful claim. Therefore, while there is pride in the universe contention will never end. The fountain must be dried up before the streams cease to flow. When a human soul is emptied of pride there will be peace within. In proportion as it ceases to be a ruling force in the world contention will cease. Pride keeps the fallen principalities in contention with heaven, keeps the sinner in contention with his Saviour, and keeps man in contention with man.
II. Thoso who are not ruled by pride are well advised.
1. Because of the consequences that obedience to the dictates of pride must bring to men themselves. There is in all men a wholesome fear of the consequences which flow from certain actions. If a child sees another burnt from playing with the fire, he will avoid doing that which he has seen to bring such pain and deformation to his brother. Self-love deters him from the act. Those who are well advised, because advised by the highest wisdom, know what the consequences of pride have been, and take cognisance of the deformation of character which it works in men around them. Therefore, the natural and spiritual instinct of wholesome self-love leads them to dread that which would bring such an additional scar to their already too much deformed character. The children of wisdom are well advised to be afraid of pride on account of its consequences to themselves.
2. Because of the misery it would bring to those nearly related to them. Isolation is not possible in this world. Every man, woman, and child is more or less nearly related to some others. The relation may be physical, intellectual, political, or moralin some instances all are combined. A proud man, or woman, or child, makes those who belong to them miserable. A proud father makes his children miserable, a proud king involves his country in war, and brings misery upon his subjects. How many friends has pride severed. How many homes and countries has family or national pride blighted. Surely, then, those are well advised who shun it for the sake of those related to them.
3. Because of its consequences to humanity, The miseries of the human race are increased by pride, and the progress of the gospel is hindered by it. The man who does not scruple to pour oil upon a burning house, not only shows that he has no intention to help to extinguish the flames, but that he intends to widen their influence. Each drop that he pours upon the fire increases its intensity, and spreads the destruction. There are men who do not hesitate, by the indulgence of pride, to increase that war of passions which burns so fiercely and destructively in the world and desolates ten thousand hearts and homes. But the well advised, by the exercise of the grace of humility, endeavour to quench the conflagration which, first kindled by hell, has devastated the earth for so many generations.
OUTLINES AND SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS
Pride, if there be no cause of contention given, will make it. Transcendo non obedio perturbo is the motto written upon prides triple crown. Pride is a dividing distemper. Bladders blown up with wind spurt one from another, and will not close; but prick them, and you may pack a thousand of them in a little room. It was a great trouble to Haman to lead Mordecais horse, which another man would not have thought so. The moving of a straw troubleth proud flesh; whereas, humility, if compelled to go one mile, will go two for a need; yea, as far as the shoes of the gospel of peace can carry it. The wisdom from above is peaceable.Trapp.
As to the great quarrel with God, which needs the ransom (Pro. 13:8), and which is mended by the righteousness (Pro. 13:6), how long would that last, if we abandoned pride?Miller.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
TEXT Pro. 13:10-17
10.
By pride cometh only contention;
But with the well-advised is wisdom.
11.
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished;
But he that gathereth by labor shall have increase.
12.
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick;
But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13.
Whoso despiseth the word bringeth destruction on himself;
But he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
14.
The law of the wise is a fountain of life,
That one may depart from the snares of death.
15.
Good understanding giveth favor;
But the way of the transgressor is hard.
16.
Every prudent man worketh with knowledge;
But a fool flaunteth his folly.
17.
A wicked messenger falleth into evil;
But a faithful ambassador is health.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 13(1017)
1.
Does wisdom in the last statement of Pro. 13:10 mean the avoid of contention in the setting of the verse?
2.
And how can pride produce contention (Pro. 13:10)?
3.
What is wealth gotten by vanity (Pro. 13:11)?
4.
Cite ways that hope can be deferred, making the heart sick (Pro. 13:12).
5.
What does tree of life mean in Pro. 13:12?
6.
Whose word in Pro. 13:13? Whose commandment?
7.
Comment upon snares of death (Pro. 13:14).
8.
Can you cite ten Bible examples that show the way of the transgressor to be hard (Pro. 13:15).
9.
From everyday life show three ways you have seen fools flaunt folly (Pro. 13:16).
10.
Who would a wicked messenger be in Pro. 13:17?
PARAPHRASE OF 13:10-17
10.
Pride leads to arguments; be humble, take advice and become wise.
11.
Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.
12.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy.
13.
Despise Gods Word and find yourself in trouble. Obey it and succeed.
14.
The advice of a wise man refreshes like water from a mountain spring. Those accepting it become aware of the pitfalls on ahead.
15.
A man with good sense is appreciated. A treacherous man must walk a rocky road.
16.
A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesnt, and even brags about it!
17.
An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress.
COMMENTS ON 13:10-17
Pro. 13:10. The King James puts only with pride: Only by pride cometh contention. Our text puts it with contention: By pride cometh only contention. Certainly contentions grow out of pride, one who will not be advised and who will argue back. The reason: a proud person is self-centered. A self-centered person knows it all, and when anyone tries to advise him, he gets into an argument. On the other hand why is wisdom with the well-advised? Because he knows all that he himself has learned plus that which he can pick up from others. He is not proud, so he can listen and learn.
Pro. 13:11. Pulpit Commentary: Wealth obtained without labor and exertion, or by illegitimate and dishonest means is soon dissipated, is not blessed by God, and has no stability…Quickly won, quickly gone. Our saying: Easy come, easy go. But those who have obtained through hard work dont blow their money.
Pro. 13:12. You look forward with anticipation to some day or event only to learn that it has been postponed, and what a letdown! To be put off, to be disappointed, is hard on the heart. Imagine Jacobs letdown when Rachel was not his after working those seven years for her! But when something does come to which one has long looked forward, it is a tree of life (health to the heart).
Pro. 13:13. Probably referring to Gods Word and commandment, although the same principle is in effect concerning any word of wisdom or just commandment. King Saul did not obey Gods commandment to destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions so God took the kingship away from his house (1Sa. 15:17-23). Look at Abraham as one who was rewarded for fearing Gods commandment enough to have proceeded to sacrifice his son Isaac until God intervened (Gen. 22:1-18).
Pro. 13:14. In Proverbs the second statement of a verse is usually a contrast to the verses first statement. Occasionally it isnt, as in this verse. Pulpit Commentary: The rules and teaching of wise men are a source of life to those who follow them so that they depart from the snares of death. Jesus is the wise lawgiver of the New Testament (Act. 3:22), and all who follow His teachings will have life (Joh. 8:12) and will escape the snares of the devil (1Ti. 3:7) that bring death (Rom. 6:23). How can one escape traps that are set for him? By following the wisdom of one who knows where those traps are!
Pro. 13:15. We honor the person who knows and uses his understanding aright whether he be parent, leader, or neighbor. On the other hand we see the unbearable outcome of sin in Cains statement, My punishment is greater than I can bear (Gen. 4:13), in King Sauls miserable end (1Sa. 28:15-25; 1Sa. 31:1-4), and in Judas Iscariots suicide (Mat. 27:3-5).
Pro. 13:16. Two altogether different kinds of persons: one man works with knowledge; the other shows off his folly. The fool does this because wisdom is too high for him (Pro. 24:7). David showed his prudence in the way he dealt with Saul, with his brothers, with Absalom, and with others. I wisdom have made prudence my dwelling and as a result find out knowledge and discretion (Pro. 8:12).
Pro. 13:17. A wicked messenger is one who is not true to the one sending him. He will be called to answer for his unfaithfulness. A curse belongs to one who perverts the gospel (Gal. 1:6-9). One who is a faithful representative brings joy to the one dispatching him. God was pleased with Jesus (Mat. 17:5), and Christ will be pleased with us if we faithfully proclaim His Word (Mat. 28:19-20).
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 13:10-17
1.
How does pride bring contention (Pro. 13:10)?
2.
Why is wisdom with the well-advised (Pro. 13:10)?
3.
Why is wealth gotten by vanity short-lived (Pro. 13:11)?
4.
Why is wealth gotten by hard work more enduring (Pro. 13:11)?
5.
What does hope deferred bring (Pro. 13:12)?
6.
What is the difference in the end of one who fears Gods commandments and one who doesnt (Pro. 13:13)?
7.
Which verse of this section does not contain a contrast?
8.
What does the law of the wise permit a person to escape (Pro. 13:14)?
9.
Illustrate the truth of good understanding bringing favor (Pro. 13:15).
10.
Illustrate the truth that the way of the transgressor is hard (Pro. 13:15).
11.
What two different kinds of persons does Pro. 13:16 talk about?
12.
What does it say about each (Pro. 13:16)?
13.
What kind of evil will a wicked messenger fall into (Pro. 13:17)?
14.
What kind of health does a faithful ambassador bring (Pro. 13:17)?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(10) Only by pride cometh contention.Rather, by pride cometh nothing but contention. A man who is too proud to receive counsel is sure to fall out with others; they are wise who suffer themselves to be advised.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. Only by pride Such pride as prevents men from taking wise and wholesome advice.
With the well advised those who both receive and profit by good counsel is wisdom. On this verse Melanchthon reminds his pupils of the old Greek adage, “A mountain cannot mix with a mountain.” that is, two high-minded or proud men will never agree: but with the lowly, (comp. Pro 11:2,) those sufficiently humble to be advised is practical wisdom, or prudence in avoiding dissensions. “It is uncertain what word the ‘ only’ qualities. We may have, 1. By pride alone comes contention: that is the one unfailing spring of quarrels; or, 2. By pride comes contention only: it, and it alone, is the fruit of pride. The latter construction is preferable.” Speaker’s Commentary. The Geneva Bible version renders the first clause, “Only by pride doth man make contention,” and makes this marginal note: “Whereas every man contendeth to have the pre-eminence, and will not give place to another.”
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
v. 10. Only by pride cometh contention,
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Pro 13:10. Only by pride, &c. The Greeks have a proverb, “A mountain cannot mix with a mountain,” i.e. two proud men will never agree together: and the Latins have an excellent saying, Crede mihi, sapere est, non multum sapere, “Believe me; to be wise, is not to be overwise;” for they whose minds are infected with a vain opinion of themselves, either cannot see the truth, if it be opposite to their ideas; or if they do, they will not acknowledge it, for fear they should yield, and confess themselves overcome. See Bishop Patrick.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Pro 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
Ver. 10. Only by pride cometh contention. ] Heb., Dabit iurgium. Pride, if there be no cause of contention given, will make it. Transcendo, non obedio, perturbo, is the motto written upon pride’s triple crown. A proud person is full of discontent; nothing can please him. Just like one that hath a swelling in his hands, something or other toucheth it still, and driveth him to outcries. Pride maketh a man drunk with his own conceit. “The proud man” is as he that “hath transgressed by wine.” Hab 2:5 And drunkards, we know, are quarrelsome. The Corinthians had riches and gifts and learning; and carried aloft by these waxen wings, they domineered and despised others; 1Co 4:8 they were divided and discontented; 1Co 3:3 and these overflowings of the gall and spleen came from a fulness of bad humour. Pride is a dividing distemper; gouty swollen legs keep at a distance; bladders blown up with wind spurt one from another, and will not close; but prick them, and you may pack a thousand of them in a little room.
But with the well advised is wisdom.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
by pride cometh contention = by pride only cometh, &c. Illustrations: Korah (Num 16); men of Ephraim (Jdg 12:1-6); Rehoboam (1Ki 12); the Apostles (Luk 22:24).
well advised: or modest.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Pro 13:10
Pro 13:10
“By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom.”
“Pride engenders strife, but with the humble is wisdom. “This proverb is directed against litigiousness, quarrelsomeness, and the offensive assertion of one’s supposed rights, and especially, perhaps, against the obstinate pride of rival princes. Humble is used here in the sense of `unassuming.’
Pro 13:10. The King James puts only with pride: Only by pride cometh contention. Our text puts it with contention: By pride cometh only contention. Certainly contentions grow out of pride, one who will not be advised and who will argue back. The reason: a proud person is self-centered. A self-centered person knows it all, and when anyone tries to advise him, he gets into an argument. On the other hand why is wisdom with the well-advised? Because he knows all that he himself has learned plus that which he can pick up from others. He is not proud, so he can listen and learn.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Only: Pro 21:24, Jdg 12:1-6, 1Ki 12:10, 1Ki 12:11, 1Ki 12:16, 2Ki 14:10, Luk 22:24, 1Ti 6:4, Jam 3:14-16, Jam 4:1, Jam 4:5, Jam 4:6, 3Jo 1:9, 3Jo 1:10
with: Pro 12:15, Pro 12:16, Pro 17:14, Pro 19:20, Pro 20:18, Pro 25:8, Jdg 8:1-3, Luk 14:28-32, Act 6:1-5
Reciprocal: Num 12:2 – hath he not Num 16:10 – and seek Jdg 19:30 – consider Rth 4:3 – he said 1Sa 18:8 – the saying 2Sa 19:43 – ten parts 1Ki 12:14 – My father made 2Ki 5:11 – Naaman 2Ki 14:8 – Come 2Ch 25:19 – heart Pro 18:6 – fool’s Pro 28:25 – that is Ecc 7:8 – the patient Jer 41:1 – of the Mat 20:24 – they Mar 9:35 – If Mar 10:41 – they Rom 2:8 – contentious 1Co 1:11 – that there 1Co 13:4 – vaunteth not itself Phi 2:3 – nothing Phi 2:14 – disputings
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Pro 13:10. Only by pride cometh contention This is not to be understood exclusively, as to all other causes of contention; for contentions often spring from ignorance, or mistake, or covetousness, or other passions; but eminently, because, as pride bloweth up those coals of contention, which other passions kindle, so oftentimes pride alone, without any other cause, stirreth up strife; which it doth by making a man self-conceited in his opinions, and obstinate in his resolutions, and impatient of any opposition: and many other ways; but with the well-advised Who are not governed by their own passions, but by prudent consideration, and the good counsel of others; is wisdom Which teacheth them to avoid and abhor all contention. Melancthon, says Bishop Patrick, singled out for the observation of his scholars two remarkable sentences of this chapter, of which this is one; and upon it he reminds them of the Greek proverb, , A mountain cannot mix with a mountain, that is, two high men will never agree together; and of another excellent saying among the Latins, Crede mihi, sapere est non multum sapere, Believe me, to be wise, is not to be over wise. For they whose minds are infected with a vain opinion of themselves, either cannot see the truth, if it be against their thoughts; or, if they do, they will not acknowledge it, for fear they should yield and confess themselves overcome.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
13:10 Only by pride {d} cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.
(d) When as every man contends to have preeminence, and will not give place to another.