Proverbs 17:19

¶ He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [and] he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

He loveth {H157} transgression {H6588} that loveth {H157} strife {H4683}: and he that exalteth {H1361} his gate {H6607} seeketh {H1245} destruction {H7667}.

Those who love quarreling love giving offense; those who make their gates tall are courting disaster.

He who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his gate high invites destruction.

He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.

Commentary

Commentary on Proverbs 17:19 (KJV)

Proverbs 17:19 offers a concise yet profound piece of wisdom, drawing parallels between destructive attitudes and their inevitable consequences. The verse is divided into two distinct but related warnings, both highlighting the perils of ungodly character traits.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom literature, primarily attributed to King Solomon. It provides practical instruction for living a righteous and flourishing life, often presenting sharp contrasts between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. This verse fits well within the broader theme of the consequences of one's actions and attitudes, emphasizing the importance of humility, peace, and discretion in daily conduct. It speaks to the inner motivations that drive external behaviors, and how these ultimately lead to blessing or destruction.

Key Themes

  • The Peril of Strife and Transgression: The first part of the verse directly links a love for strife and contention with a love for transgression or sin. It suggests that someone who habitually engages in quarrels or instigates conflict is, in essence, embracing a lifestyle that is contrary to God's law and leads to moral wrongdoing. Such a person finds satisfaction in discord, which is inherently a form of rebellion against peace and order.
  • Pride Leads to Downfall: The second part, "he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction," speaks to the dangers of arrogance and ostentation. In ancient times, a gate was a significant feature of a house or city, symbolizing strength, status, and security. To "exalt" one's gate could mean to make it excessively grand, ostentatious, or perhaps even structurally unsound due to over-ambition. This imagery symbolizes pride, a desire for excessive display, or an arrogant disregard for security. Such an attitude inevitably leads to ruin, drawing unwanted attention or inviting collapse. This theme resonates strongly with other proverbs about the consequences of pride, such as Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
  • Consequences of Folly: Both clauses underscore a fundamental principle of biblical wisdom: ungodly attitudes and behaviors have built-in consequences. The verse warns that those who delight in conflict or who live in arrogant display are actively pursuing their own undoing.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "strife" (מָדוֹן - madon) refers to contention, discord, or a quarrel. The word for "transgression" (פֶּשַׁע - pesha) denotes rebellion, revolt, or a breaking of a covenant or law. The pairing highlights how a contentious spirit is not merely annoying but is a form of moral rebellion.

The phrase "exalteth his gate" (מַגְבִּיהַּ פִּתְחוֹ - magbiah pitḥo) can be understood literally as building an overly high or grand entrance, perhaps for show, or metaphorically as an expression of pride and arrogance. Such an action, whether physical or symbolic, makes one vulnerable; a high gate might be less secure, or excessive display might invite envy, theft, or divine judgment.

Practical Application

This verse provides timeless wisdom for personal conduct and relationships:

  • Cultivate Peace: We are admonished to avoid a contentious spirit. Rather than loving arguments or discord, believers are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). A love for strife suggests a heart that is not aligned with God's desire for harmony and reconciliation.
  • Practice Humility: The warning against exalting one's gate is a call to humility. Whether it's through material possessions, social status, or personal achievements, excessive pride or ostentation often precedes a fall. True security and lasting success come from a humble reliance on God, not from self-exaltation.
  • Recognize Destructive Patterns: The verse helps us identify destructive patterns in ourselves and others. If someone consistently seeks out conflict or displays an arrogant, self-important attitude, they are on a path that leads to their own detriment. This insight encourages self-examination and a turning towards wisdom and righteousness.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 16:18

    ¶ Pride [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

  • Proverbs 18:12

    ¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.

  • 1 Samuel 25:36

    ¶ And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart [was] merry within him, for he [was] very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.

  • 1 Samuel 25:38

    And it came to pass about ten days [after], that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.

  • James 3:14

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

  • James 3:16

    For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

  • Proverbs 29:22

    ¶ An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
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