Proverbs 13:10 kjv

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 nkjv

By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 niv

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 13:10 esv

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 nlt

Pride leads to conflict;
those who take advice are wise.

Proverbs 13 verses

Proverbs 13 10 Meaning

Proverbs 13:10 asserts a fundamental truth about human character and its consequences. It states that an arrogant spirit, characterized by pride, invariably leads to discord and conflict. In contrast, those who are humble enough to seek and heed wise counsel will find and embody true wisdom. The verse draws a sharp dichotomy, highlighting pride as a destructive force that hinders harmonious relationships, while openness to advice cultivates understanding and prudence.

Proverbs 13 10 Context

Proverbs 13 resides within the larger collection of Solomon’s proverbs, which aim to impart practical wisdom for godly living. The chapter emphasizes themes of wisdom versus folly, integrity versus deceit, diligence versus laziness, and the lasting consequences of one's choices, particularly concerning speech, wealth, and character. Verse 10 specifically addresses the social ramifications of pride, linking it directly to contention, a destructive element in communal and personal relationships. It contrasts this with the societal benefit and personal gain found in humility and openness to guidance, reflecting the collective and community-oriented nature of wisdom in ancient Israel. Culturally, wisdom was not just theoretical knowledge but practical prudence that ensured harmony and well-being within the community and alignment with divine principles.

Proverbs 13 10 Word analysis

• By pride (בְּזָדוֹן, bəzāḏōn):
  • Pride: The Hebrew term zadon (זָדוֹן) signifies arrogance, insolence, presumptuousness, and haughtiness. It implies a puffed-up sense of self-importance that leads one to ignore others, dismiss advice, and act defiantly against God's standards or human wisdom. It suggests a root attitude of self-reliance and superiority.
• comes only (אךְ, ʾak):
  • Only: The particle ak emphasizes exclusivity and direct consequence. It implies that pride inevitably and solely yields contention; there is no other outcome when pride is at play. It's a strong cause-and-effect statement.
• contention (מַצָּה, matstza):
  • Contention: The Hebrew term matzah (מַצָּה) refers to strife, quarrels, discord, and disputes. It describes conflict and disharmony that arise from arrogance and a refusal to yield or consider other viewpoints.
• but (וְאֶת, vəʾeṯ):
  • But: This conjunction acts as a strong disjunctive, setting up a direct and opposing contrast between the first half of the verse and the second.
• with the well-advised (נוֹעָצִים, nôʿatsîm):
  • Well-advised: The Hebrew term no'atzim (נוֹעָצִים) is a participle from the root ya'ats (יָעַץ), meaning "to counsel" or "to advise." This refers to those who are willing to be counseled or who seek counsel. It implies humility, a teachable spirit, and a recognition of one's own limitations, making them receptive to wisdom from others or from God.
• is wisdom (חָכְמָה, ḥokhmāh):
  • Wisdom: The Hebrew term ḥokhmah (חָכְמָה) denotes practical skill, discernment, and godly insight for living righteously. It's not just intellectual knowledge but the ability to apply truth effectively. Here, it is intrinsically linked to the humility of seeking counsel.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "By pride comes only contention": This phrase establishes a direct and inescapable consequence of pride. An inflated sense of self prevents one from listening, adapting, or yielding, leading directly to arguments, conflicts, and disrupted relationships. Pride prioritizes self over peace and harmony. This is a powerful statement against self-sufficiency that ignores the relational fabric of life.
• "but with the well-advised is wisdom": This contrasting clause highlights the pathway to wisdom. Wisdom is not gained through solitary brilliance or arrogance, but through the humble and collaborative process of seeking and accepting counsel. It indicates that true sagacity thrives where openness and a willingness to learn are present, fostering good decisions and harmonious living.

Proverbs 13 10 Bonus section

The concept of zadon (pride) in Proverbs 13:10 is not merely arrogance but often presumes defiance against what is right or divinely ordained. This connects pride to sin and folly, as ignoring wisdom or divine instruction often stems from self-exaltation. The counterpoint, being no'atzim (well-advised), suggests more than just listening; it implies an active humility that seeks out wise counsel, not merely passive reception. This counsel extends to God's instruction in His Word and the wisdom gleaned through His Spirit within a faith community. This proverb warns against a self-reliant posture that excludes divine and human input, promoting a relational, community-oriented approach to life and decision-making where humility is key to gaining discernment and peace.

Proverbs 13 10 Commentary

Proverbs 13:10 offers a profound ethical and social commentary. It illustrates that pride is fundamentally destructive, dismantling peace and fostering conflict. This isn't just about personal fault, but the inevitable outcome in social dynamics when an individual's self-importance eclipses consideration for others. Pride fosters an inability to admit error, compromise, or value other perspectives, which naturally ignites friction. Conversely, the "well-advised" person embodies a humble and teachable spirit. Such an individual recognizes their limitations and actively seeks insight, understanding, and discernment from trusted sources—whether God's Word, godly mentors, or community leaders. This openness is not a sign of weakness but the very essence of true strength and intelligence, leading directly to sound judgment and harmonious interaction, which is the definition of biblical wisdom. Practical examples include leaders who seek diverse counsel, couples who listen to each other rather than stubbornly defending their positions, and individuals who are willing to learn from correction rather than react defensively.