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Proverbs 13:10

Proverbs 13:10 in Multiple Translations

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

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

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

The only effect of pride is fighting; but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.

Pride only causes conflict; but those who take advice are wise.

Onely by pride doeth man make contention: but with the well aduised is wisdome.

A vain man through pride causeth debate, And with the counselled [is] wisdom.

Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice.

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

Among the proud there are always contentions: but they that do all things with counsel, are ruled by wisdom.

People who are arrogant/proud always cause strife; those who are wise ask other people for good advice.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:10

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Proverbs 13:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB רַק בְּ֭/זָדוֹן יִתֵּ֣ן מַצָּ֑ה וְ/אֶת נ֖וֹעָצִ֣ים חָכְמָֽה
רַק raq H7535 except DirObjM
בְּ֭/זָדוֹן zâdôwn H2087 arrogance Prep | N-ms
יִתֵּ֣ן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מַצָּ֑ה matstsâh H4683 strife N-fs
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H854 with Conj | Prep
נ֖וֹעָצִ֣ים yâʻats H3289 to advise V-Niphal
חָכְמָֽה chokmâh H2451 wisdom N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:10

רַק raq H7535 "except" DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
בְּ֭/זָדוֹן zâdôwn H2087 "arrogance" Prep | N-ms
This word means arrogance or pride, describing an attitude of insolence. It is used to describe those who act with pride, like the proud man in the Bible. The KJV translates it as presumptuously or pride.
Definition: pride, insolence, presumptuousness, arrogance
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: presumptuously, pride, proud (man). See also: Deuteronomy 17:12; Proverbs 21:24; Proverbs 11:2.
יִתֵּ֣ן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מַצָּ֑ה matstsâh H4683 "strife" N-fs
Matstsah also means strife or contention, describing a quarrel or debate between people, like the disagreements between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15. It involves strong disagreements.
Definition: strife, contention
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: contention, debate, strife. See also: Proverbs 13:10; Proverbs 17:19; Isaiah 58:4.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
נ֖וֹעָצִ֣ים yâʻats H3289 "to advise" V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
חָכְמָֽה chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.

Study Notes — Proverbs 13:10

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.
2 Proverbs 12:15–16 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
3 Proverbs 17:14 To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.
4 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
5 Luke 22:24 A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest.
6 James 3:14–16 But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
7 James 4:1 What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?
8 3 John 1:9–10 I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.
9 Proverbs 25:8 do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
10 Acts 6:1–5 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Proverbs 13:10 Summary

This verse teaches us that when we are arrogant and think we know it all, it can lead to conflict and problems with others. On the other hand, when we are humble and seek wisdom, we are more likely to make good decisions and have peaceful relationships (as seen in Proverbs 15:1, which says that 'a soft answer turns away wrath'). By recognizing the dangers of arrogance and seeking to cultivate humility, we can live more wisely and avoid many problems. By seeking wisdom and counsel from others, we can make better decisions and live more fulfilling lives (as seen in Proverbs 24:6, which says that 'for by wise counsel you will wage your own war').

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible mean by 'arrogance' in Proverbs 13:10?

Arrogance refers to an excessive pride or haughtiness that leads to a lack of humility, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which says that 'pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.'

How does 'strife' relate to arrogance in this verse?

The Bible teaches that arrogance leads to strife because it often involves a refusal to listen to others and consider their perspectives, leading to conflict and division, as seen in Proverbs 17:19, which says that 'a man of great wrath will suffer punishment.'

What does it mean to be 'well-advised' in this verse?

To be well-advised means to seek and follow wise counsel, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, which says that 'where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in the abundance of counselors there is victory.'

How can I apply the wisdom of this verse to my everyday life?

By recognizing the dangers of arrogance and seeking to cultivate humility, as seen in Proverbs 22:4, which says that 'the reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.'

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do I struggle with arrogance in my own life, and how can I work to overcome it?
  2. How do I currently seek wisdom and counsel in my decision-making, and are there areas where I can improve?
  3. What are some ways that I can practice humility and seek to listen to others, rather than relying on my own understanding?
  4. How can I balance confidence and humility in my relationships and interactions with others?

Gill's Exposition on 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 (d), by pride", c.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:10

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:10

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.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:10

Proverbs 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." 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; they were divided and discontented; 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.] The "meekness of wisdom," as St James hath it; of the which we may well say, as Tertullus said to Felix, "By thee we enjoy great quietness." It was a great trouble to Haman to lead Mordecai’ s 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."

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:10

(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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:10

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.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:10

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.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:10

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.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:10

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.

Sermons on Proverbs 13:10

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Pride by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of divorce and the breaking up of families, stating that it is a plague that is sweeping the church. The preacher emphasizes the im
Shane Idleman If My People Humble Themselves - Part 2 by Shane Idleman This sermon delves into the destructive nature of pride, highlighting personal struggles with pride and the impact it has on relationships, families, and spiritual life. It emphasi
Shane Idleman 7 Ways Pride Deceives by Shane Idleman This sermon delves into the dangers of pride, highlighting how it leads to deception, rebellion, spiritual blindness, quarrels, confusion, anxiety, depression, and false worship. T
Shane Idleman The Deception of Pride by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes the dangers of pride in his sermon 'The Deception of Pride,' explaining how it can lead to a lack of love, critical attitudes, and a false sense of securit
Shane Idleman If My People Humble Themselves by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need for humility in the Christian life, warning that pride is deceptive and can lead to personal and relational destruction. He reflects on h
Anton Bosch Arrogant: Who, Me ? by Anton Bosch Anton Bosch preaches on the dangers of pride, emphasizing that those who believe they have overcome pride are actually the most arrogant. Pride is considered the worst of all sins,
Zac Poonen The Seven Pillars of Wisdom by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches on the clear contrast between the Bride and the Harlot as depicted in Proverbs chapter 9. The Bride invites the foolish to turn from sin and learn the fear of t

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