Proverbs 13:10 — Word Study
WLCרַק־ בְּ֭זָדוֹן יִתֵּ֣ן מַצָּ֑ה וְאֶת־ נ֖וֹעָצִ֣ים חָכְמָֽה׃
BSAArrogancezâdôwn [pride, insolence] leadsnâthan▸ onlyraq [except] to strifematstsâh [contention, quarrels] but wisdomchokmâh [skill, prudence, good judgment] is withʼêth [near, in close relationship] the well-advisedyâʻats [those who take counsel, guided by wisdom]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| רַק־ | only | Adverb |
| בְּ֭זָדוֹן | with pride | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| יִתֵּ֣ן | it gives | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| מַצָּ֑ה | contention | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וְאֶת־ | and [is] with | Conjunction, preposition |
| נ֖וֹעָצִ֣ים | [those who] receive advice | Verb, Niphal, participle (active) masculine plural |
| חָכְמָֽה׃ | wisdom | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised. |
| KJV | Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. |
| ASV | By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom. |
| YLT | A vain man through pride causeth debate, And with the counselled [is] wisdom. |
| WEB | Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice. |
| BBE | The only effect of pride is fighting; but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit. |
There is agreement among the translations on the meaning of the key terms in this verse.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by a contrasting clause, highlighting the difference between arrogance and wisdom.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectחׇכְמָה
verbנָתַן
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 13:10
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Wisdom and Arrogancegenerated
Proverbs 13:10 presents a clear distinction between the effects of arrogance and wisdom. The verse highlights that while arrogance inevitably leads to strife, wisdom is found among those who seek counsel. This teaching is part of a broader discourse on the value of wisdom and the dangers of pride, as seen in the surrounding verses, particularly in Proverbs 13:9 and Proverbs 13:11.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:24 | Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man— of him who acts with excessive pride. |
| 2 | Judges 12:1–6 | Then the men of Ephraim assembled and crossed the Jordan to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, “Why have you crossed over to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down with you inside!” |
| 3 | 1 Kings 12:10–11 | The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! |
| 4 | 2 Kings 14:10 | You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” |
| 5 | Luke 22:24 | A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them would be considered the greatest. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 17 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חָכְמָֽה, chokh.mahgenerated
The Hebrew word חָכְמָה (chokmah) signifies wisdom, encompassing skill, prudence, and good judgment. It is often associated with practical knowledge and ethical decision-making, as seen in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
This term is derived from the root word for wisdom, חָכַם (chakam), and is used to describe a person who possesses insight and the ability to apply knowledge effectively.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we reference the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) as the base for comparison.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb in this verse is יִתֵּ֣ן, it gives, which governs the structure of the sentence. The subject is חָכְמָֽה, wisdom, and the object is מַצָּ֑ה, contention, indicating that wisdom is contrasted with the outcome of arrogance.
The sentence structure emphasizes the contrast between the two ideas: the first clause presents the consequence of arrogance, while the second clause introduces wisdom as the preferable alternative.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates חָכְמָה as σοφοί (sofoi), which also means wise or skilled. This choice reflects the translators' understanding of wisdom as a desirable quality.
The Greek term ὕβρεως (hybreōs) for זָדוֹן indicates a focus on arrogance, aligning with the Hebrew meaning but potentially broadening its implications in the Greek context.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 13:10 teaches that arrogance leads to conflict, while wisdom is found with those who seek advice. This verse highlights the importance of humility and the value of wise counsel in making decisions.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
This suggests that prideful attitudes often result in conflict and disagreements with others.
Wisdom is associated with those who seek counsel, indicating that wise individuals value guidance and advice.
Humility is important because it prevents conflict and allows for better relationships through wise counsel.
Practical ways to seek wisdom include consulting trusted advisors, studying wise teachings, and being open to feedback.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what areas of my life do I struggle with arrogance, and how can I work to be more humble?
- Who are the wise individuals I can turn to for advice in my decision-making?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of wisdom in my daily interactions with others?
- What steps can I take to ensure I am seeking counsel before making important decisions?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 13:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleOnly 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.
Read John Gill on Proverbs 13 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryOnly by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Only by pride cometh contention.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 13 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleOnly 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.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 13 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 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…
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 13 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 13 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 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.
Read AdamClarke on Proverbs 13 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges10. 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.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 13 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleEither: (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.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 13 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice.
Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.
With pride comes only contention, but wisdom is with the well-advised.
Tyndale line
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
By pride cometh only contention; But with the well-advised is wisdom.
By pride cometh only contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well-advised is wisdom.
Onely by pride doeth man make contention: but with the well aduised is wisdome.
Strictly literal
By pride there only cometh contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom.
A vain man through pride causeth debate, And with the counselled [is] wisdom.
A vain man causes debate through pride, || And wisdom [is] with the counseled.
Only through presumptuous conduct doth man produce contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom.
Pride only breeds conflict, but for those who listen to good advice there is wisdom.
From the Latin
Among the proud there are always contentions: but they that do all things with counsel, are ruled by wisdom.
Simplified
Pride only causes conflict; but those who take advice are wise.
The only effect of pride is fighting; but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Proverbs 13:10 states, "רַק־ בְּ֭זָדוֹן יִתֵּ֣ן מַצָּ֑ה וְאֶת־ נ֖וֹעָצִ֣ים חָכְמָֽה׃" which translates to, "Only by arrogance does strife come, but with the well-advised is wisdom." The Septuagint, while not providing a direct translation, aligns closely with the Masoretic Text in meaning, as six of the seven words correspond directly, indicating a strong agreement in the overall message. However, the specific wording and structure differ due to the nature of translation. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variants for this verse, suggesting that the Masoretic Text's rendering is consistent across these ancient witnesses.
רַק־ בְּ֭זָדוֹן יִתֵּ֣ן מַצָּ֑ה וְאֶת־ נ֖וֹעָצִ֣ים חָכְמָֽה׃
6 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 13:10
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רַק (raq) is an adjective meaning 'thin' and an adverb indicating limitation, such as 'only' or 'altogether.' It conveys a sense of restriction or exclusivity in various contexts, including affirmations and negations. The entries align on its meanings, with no significant disagreement noted.
רַק
adj. thin
adv. with restrictive force, only, altogether, surely
base
H7535 רַק . adj. thin
. adv. with restrictive force, only, altogether, surely
7535 raq rak
the same as 7534 as a noun; properly, leanness, i.e.
(figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or
conjunctional, although:--but, even, except, howbeit
howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but,
notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in
any wise.
see HEBREW for 07534
רַק (raq) — except.
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)
DirObjM — AdverbHD
זָדוֹן (zadown) refers to concepts of insolence and presumptuousness, indicating a sense of arrogance or pride. It is derived from the root word meaning arrogance. The entries consistently highlight these themes without significant disagreement.
זָדוֹן n.m. insolence, presumptuousness
base
H2087 זָדוֹן insolence, presumptuousness
2087 zadown zaw-done'
from 2102; arrogance:--presumptuously, pride, proud (man).
see HEBREW for 02102
זָדוֹן (za.don) — arrogance.
pride, insolence, presumptuousness, arrogance
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
→ General scriptures concerning Ex 18:10,11; Le 26:19; De 8:11-14,17-20; Jud 9:14,15; 1Sa 2:3-5; 1Ki 20:11; 2Ki 14:9,10; 2Ch 25:18,19; Job 11:12; 12:2,3; 13:2,5; 15:1-13; 18:3; 21:31,32; 32:9-13; 37:24; Ps 9:20; 10:2-6,11; 12:4; 18:27; 31:23; 49:11; 52:7; 73:6,8,9; 75:4-6; 101:5; 119:21,69,70,78; 138:6;
The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.
נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set
Qal 1917
give
Put, set
Make, constitute
Niph.
82be given
Be put, set
Hoph.
be given, bestowed
= be given to one for wife
be put upon
base
H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give
. Put, set
. Make, constitute
. . be given
. Be put, set
. . . be given, bestowed
. = be given to one for wife
. be put upon
5414 nathan naw-than'
a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of
application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,
assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,
hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +
cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X
without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),
grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),
(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,
occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X
pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send
(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,
strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,
turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)
God, yield.
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.
: 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
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.
: put/set/apppoint
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVqi3ms
מַצָּה (matstsah) refers to strife or contention. It is derived from the root word meaning to quarrel, and is consistently defined across entries as relating to conflict or debate.
מַצָּה n.f. strife, contention
base
H4683 מַצָּה strife, contention
4683 matstsah mats-tsaw'
from 5327; a quarrel:--contention, debate, strife.
see HEBREW for 05327
מַצָּה (mats.tsah) — strife.
strife, contention
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
→ See STRIFE
The Hebrew word אֵת (eth) is a preposition indicating nearness or proximity, often translated as 'with' or 'near.' It conveys a sense of companionship or association, distinguishing itself from similar terms by expressing closer relationships. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including possession and memory, but do not provide specific verse references.
אֵת, prep. with—prep. denoting proximity
Of companionship, together with
Of localities
אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially
in one's possession or keeping
in one's knowledge or memory
מֵאֵת from proximity with
Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.
base
H854 אֵת with—prep. denoting proximity . Of companionship, together with
. Of localities
. אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially . in one's possession or keeping
. in one's knowledge or memory
. מֵאֵת from proximity with
Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.
854 'eth ayth
probably from 579; properly, nearness (used only as a
preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by,
at, among, etc.:--against, among, before, by, for, from,
in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional
prefix.
see HEBREW for 0579
אֵת (et) — with.
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)
Conj | Prep — Conjunction · prepositionHC/R
יָעַץ (ya`ats) is a Hebrew verb meaning to advise or counsel. It encompasses various forms, including advising, consulting, and deliberating, with nuances in different stems such as Qal, Niphal, and Hithpael. The word can also imply conspiracy in certain contexts. The entries suggest a focus on guidance and decision-making.
יָעַץ vb. advise, counsel
Qal advise, counsel
Niph. consult together, exchange counsel
Hithp. conspire against
base
H3289 יָעַץ advise, counsel
3289 ya`ats yaw-ats'
a primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or
resolve:--advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult,
(give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose.
יָעַץ (ya.ats) — to advise.
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
V-Niphal — Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine pluralHVNrmpa
→ See COUNSEL
חָכְמָה (chokmah) means wisdom and encompasses various forms of skill, including in war and administration, as well as shrewdness and ethical prudence. It is built from the root word for wisdom, חָכַם (chakam). The term appears in contexts related to both practical and religious matters.
חָכְמָה n.f. wisdom
skill in war
wisdom, in administration
shrewdness, wisdom
wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
wisdom, ethical and religious
base
H2451 חָכְמָה wisdom . skill in war
. wisdom, in administration
. shrewdness, wisdom
. wisdom, prudence in religious affairs
. wisdom, ethical and religious
2451 chokmah khok-maw'
from 2449; wisdom (in a good sense):--skilful, wisdom,
wisely, wit.
see HEBREW for 02449
חׇכְמָה (chokh.mah) — wisdom.
1) wisdom
1a) skill (in war)
1b) wisdom (in administration)
1c) shrewdness, wisdom
1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs)
1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
wiz'-dum:
1. Linguistic
2. History
3. Religious Basis
4. Ideals
5. Teaching of Christ
6. Remainder of the New Testament
(1) James
(2) Paul
7. Hypostasis
LITERATURE
1. Linguistic:
In the Revised Version (British and American) the noun "wisdom" and its corresponding adjective and verb ("be wise," "act wisely," etc.) represent a variety of Hebrew words: bin (binah, and in the English Revised Version tebunah), sakhal (sekhel, sekhel), lebh (and in the English Revised Version labhabh), tushiyah (and in the English Revised Version Te`em, `ormah, piqqach. None of these, however, is of very frequent occurrence and by far the most common group is the verb chakham, with the adjective chakham, and the nouns chokhmah, chokhmoth, with something over 300 occurrences in the Old Testament (of which rather more than half are in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes). Cokhmah, accordingly, may be treated as the Hebrew…