Proverbs 13:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Only by pride {H2087} cometh {H5414} contention {H4683}: but with the well advised {H3289} is wisdom {H2451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Insolence produces only strife, but wisdom is found with those who take advice.

Berean Standard Bible

Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.

American Standard Version

By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 13:10 offers a profound insight into the genesis of conflict and the pathway to peace, asserting that arrogance and self-sufficiency are the singular roots of discord, while true wisdom is invariably found among those who are humble enough to seek and embrace sound counsel. This verse encapsulates a core theme of the wisdom literature, contrasting the destructive outcomes of pride with the constructive benefits of teachability and discernment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 13:10 is situated within a broader collection of Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 10-22) that frequently employ antithetical parallelism, contrasting the characteristics and destinies of the wise and the foolish. This particular verse stands as a succinct, yet powerful, statement on the social and relational consequences of pride versus humility. It follows verses that discuss the value of diligent work and the dangers of ill-gotten gain, and precedes teachings on the importance of guarding one's words and the security found in righteousness. The immediate context reinforces the practical, everyday implications of one's moral and spiritual disposition, making this verse a critical piece in understanding the dynamics of human interaction as viewed through a biblical lens.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, though uniquely grounded in the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. In a society where honor and shame, community cohesion, and respect for elders and authority were paramount, pride (arrogance, insolence) was seen as a highly disruptive force. It challenged social hierarchy, undermined communal harmony, and often led to public disgrace. Conversely, seeking counsel was a sign of respect for accumulated wisdom and a recognition of one's own limitations, fostering unity and sound decision-making within families, tribes, and the broader community. Kings, judges, and heads of households were expected to embody wisdom and often sought advice from trusted counselors, underscoring the cultural value placed on being "well advised."
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. Primarily, it highlights **the destructive nature of pride**, a recurring motif throughout the book, which consistently warns against arrogance as a precursor to downfall and conflict, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction") and [Proverbs 18:12](/proverbs/18-12 "Proverbs 18:12 - Humility Before Honor"). Secondly, it underscores **the value of humility and teachability** as essential components of true wisdom. The "well advised" individual is one who acknowledges their need for guidance, contrasting sharply with the self-sufficient fool. This theme is echoed in passages emphasizing the benefit of a [multitude of counselors](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel") and the importance of [listening to instruction](/proverbs/1-5 "Proverbs 1:5 - The Wise Hear and Increase Learning"). Ultimately, Proverbs 13:10 presents a clear **dichotomy between folly and wisdom**, portraying pride as the essence of folly leading to contention, and openness to counsel as the path of wisdom leading to peace and sound judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pride (Hebrew, _zâdôwn'_):** From the root `זוּד` (zûd), meaning to boil up, to act proudly or presumptuously. _Zâdôwn_ denotes arrogance, insolence, and a defiant self-exaltation that disregards divine or human authority. It implies a swollen ego that believes it knows best, leading to a refusal to listen or compromise, thereby inevitably generating conflict.
* **Contention (Hebrew, _matstsâh'_):** Derived from `נָצָה` (nâtsâh), meaning to pull apart or tear down. _Matstsâh_ refers to a quarrel, strife, dispute, or debate. It describes the state of discord and conflict that arises when individuals or groups are at odds, often fueled by an unwillingness to yield or acknowledge another's perspective, a direct consequence of pride.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From the root `חָכַם` (châkam), meaning to be wise or skillful. _Chokmâh_ signifies practical wisdom, skill, and insight applied to living a righteous and effective life. In this context, it is not merely intellectual knowledge but the ability to make sound judgments, understand complex situations, and navigate relationships harmoniously, which the verse attributes to those who are open to advice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only by pride cometh contention:"** This clause establishes a direct, causal link between pride and conflict. The word "only" (אַךְ, _ʾakh_) emphasizes that pride is the singular, primary, and indispensable source of contention. It suggests that if pride were absent, contention would not arise in the same destructive manner. Pride, characterized by self-importance, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to admit error or consider others, inherently clashes with differing viewpoints, leading to arguments and strife.
* **"but with the well advised [is] wisdom."** This antithetical clause presents the contrasting path to wisdom. "Well advised" (מִתְיָעֵץ, _mityâʿēṣ_) describes someone who is open to counsel, who deliberates carefully, and who seeks and accepts guidance from others. This openness is presented as the hallmark of wisdom. Instead of relying solely on one's own limited understanding, the wise person demonstrates humility by inviting external perspectives, leading to sound judgment, prudent decisions, and ultimately, a life characterized by peace and discernment rather than conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 13:10 primarily employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. The first half of the verse presents a negative consequence (contention) arising from a negative trait (pride), while the second half offers a positive outcome (wisdom) stemming from a positive characteristic (being well-advised). This stark contrast effectively highlights the opposing paths and their inevitable results. The verse also uses **Cause and Effect**, directly linking pride as the cause to contention as the effect, and conversely, linking being well-advised as the cause to wisdom as the effect. This clear causal relationship serves as a practical warning and encouragement. Furthermore, there's an element of **Synecdoche** where "the well advised" stands for the humble and teachable person, whose very disposition embodies wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 13:10 powerfully articulates a foundational biblical truth: pride is fundamentally antithetical to God's character and His design for humanity, while humility and teachability align with His wisdom. Pride, at its core, is a self-exalting spirit that resists divine counsel and human correction, leading to fragmentation and discord, mirroring the original sin of desiring to be like God. Conversely, true wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord, necessitates a humble recognition of one's limitations and an openness to guidance, whether from God's Word or from wise counselors. This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative of humanity's fall through pride and God's consistent call to humility as the path to restoration and flourishing.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to honestly examine the roots of conflict in our own lives and relationships. If contention frequently arises, this verse compels us to consider whether pride is the underlying culprit—a refusal to listen, to compromise, to admit error, or to value another's perspective. Cultivating humility is not a passive state but an active pursuit, requiring intentional self-awareness and a willingness to submit our own opinions and desires to the scrutiny of wise counsel and, most importantly, to the wisdom of God's Word. Embracing the "well advised" path means actively seeking out mentors, listening attentively to constructive criticism, and being teachable in all circumstances. This leads not only to the avoidance of unnecessary strife but also to the acquisition of profound wisdom that guides us in making sound decisions and fostering harmonious relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to be most resistant to advice or correction, and could pride be fueling that resistance?**
* **How might cultivating a more "well advised" spirit transform a specific contentious relationship or situation I am currently facing?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to actively seek out and truly listen to wise counsel from others?**

### FAQ
**Why is pride singled out as the *only* source of contention?**

Answer: Proverbs 13:10 states that "only by pride cometh contention" because pride, at its core, is a self-centered orientation that resists external input, correction, and compromise. While other factors like misunderstandings or differing opinions can *lead* to disagreements, it is often pride that prevents these disagreements from being resolved peacefully and escalates them into full-blown contention. A proud person is unwilling to admit fault, listen to reason, or yield their position, making reconciliation impossible. This aligns with other biblical teachings that identify pride as a fundamental sin that disrupts harmony, both with God and with others, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction") and [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud"). Without pride, disagreements can be approached with humility, openness, and a desire for mutual understanding, leading to resolution rather than prolonged strife.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 13:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While humanity's fall began with the prideful desire to be like God, leading to contention and separation from Him, Christ embodies the antithesis of pride. He did not come "by pride" to bring contention, but rather, though being in very nature God, He "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility")). His entire life was one of profound humility and being "well advised" by the Father, always doing the Father's will and speaking the Father's words ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does What the Father Does"); [John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). Through His humble obedience, even to death on a cross, Christ became the source of true wisdom and reconciliation, breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) that pride erects. In Him, believers are called to put off the old self of pride and contention and put on the new self, characterized by humility, teachability, and the peace that surpasses understanding ([Colossians 3:8-10](/colossians/3-8 "Colossians 3:8-10 - Put Off the Old, Put On the New"); [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Thus, the wisdom found in being "well advised" is ultimately the wisdom of God revealed in Christ, who perfectly models the humble, obedient life that leads to peace and true flourishing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 19:20

¶ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Proverbs 12:15

¶ The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.

Proverbs 12:16

¶ A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent [man] covereth shame.

Proverbs 17:14

¶ The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

3 John 1:9

¶ I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

3 John 1:10

Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.

James 3:14

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.