By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 13:10
What does Proverbs 13:10 mean?
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Proverbs 13:10
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This verse highlights that strife isn't just a byproduct of pride; it's often its sole cause, as pride makes us unwilling to bend or listen. True wisdom, in contrast, is found not in self-sufficiency, but in the humility to seek and accept good counsel.
By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, focusing on the consequences of character and choices. It stands out as a direct contrast between two paths: one fueled by arrogance leading to conflict, and the other characterized by humility and openness to counsel, resulting in wisdom. The verses immediately before and after offer further advice on diligence, honesty, and the dangers of rashness, reinforcing the theme that our inner disposition dictates our outward interactions and overall well-being.
Ever wonder why arguments seem to explode out of nowhere? This verse points to a surprising, yet common, culprit.
The verse gets straight to the point: Pride is the primary fuel for conflict.
The Uninvited Guest
Pride doesn't just contribute to arguments; it often is the argument. It's that internal voice that says, 'I'm right, and you're wrong,' or 'My opinion matters more.' This self-importance blinds us to the harm we're causing.
The Ripple Effect
When pride takes the wheel, our words and actions become sharp. We become defensive, unable to listen, and quick to find fault. This creates a hostile environment where 'nothing but strife' can grow. It affects our homes, friendships, workplaces, and even our relationship with God.
What's the antidote to the chaos of pride? This proverb offers a beautiful contrast, pointing us to a life of thoughtful engagement.
The second half of the verse presents a powerful alternative: wisdom is found with those who seek and receive advice.
The Humble Heart
'The well-advised' aren't necessarily the smartest people, but they are the ones. They recognize they don't have all the answers. They are willing to listen, consider other perspectives, and learn.
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The Pursuit of Peace
This openness leads to wisdom. Why? Because wisdom involves discernment, understanding, and making good choices. When we humbly seek counsel, we gain clarity, avoid foolish mistakes, and are better equipped to navigate life's complexities peacefully. It’s about valuing good counsel over our own ego.
Understand the original words
zadon · Hebrew Noun
An arrogant, presumptuous, or boastful attitude that despises the instruction of others, particularly the instruction of God. It is the opposite of humility.
maddon · Hebrew Noun
Conflict, contention, or discord. It is frequently presented as the consequence of pride and the rejection of godly counsel.
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
The application of divine truth to life. It involves the fear of the Lord, discernment, and the ability to live according to God’s design.
This passage directly echoes Proverbs 13:10 by stating that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, highlighting pride as a source of destructive behavior and humility as the path to divine favor.
Romans 12:3Similar to the proverb's emphasis on avoiding pride, Paul urges believers not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, connecting self-perception with sound judgment and avoiding the strife that comes from arrogance.
Proverbs 11:2This verse reinforces the theme by stating that pride leads to disgrace, but wisdom is with the humble, directly linking humility with wisdom and pride with negative outcomes, just as Proverbs 13:10 does.
Matthew 18:15-17The instruction on how to handle conflict in the church emphasizes seeking counsel and a structured approach to resolution, implicitly valuing the 'well-advised' approach over prideful confrontation.
1 Corinthians 1:10Paul appeals for unity, urging believers to be perfectly joined together in mind and thought, which is the opposite of the contention that arises from pride, thereby underscoring the value of shared wisdom and advice.
cambridgeProverbs 13:10: "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."
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.
bensonProverbs 13:10: "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."
Proverbs 13:10 . Only by pride cometh contention — This is not to be understood exclusively, as to all other causes of contention; for contentions often spring from ignorance, or mistake, or covetousness, or other passions; but eminently, because, as pride bloweth up those coals of contention, which other passions kindle, so oftentimes pride alone, without any other cause, stirreth up strife; which it doth b…
This verse highlights that strife isn't just a byproduct of pride; it's often its sole cause, as pride makes us unwilling to bend or listen. True wisdom, in contrast, is found not in self-sufficiency, but in the humility to seek and accept good counsel.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, focusing on the consequences of character and choices. It stands out as a direct contrast between two paths: one fueled by arrogance leading to conflict, and the other characterized by humility and openness to counsel, resulting in wisdom. The verses immediately before and after offer further advice on diligence, honesty, and the dangers of rashness, reinforcing the theme that our inner disposition dictates our outward interactions and overall well-being.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, focusing on the consequences of character and choices. It stands out as a direct contrast between two paths: one fueled by arrogance leading to conflict, and the other characterized by humility and openness to counsel, resulting in wisdom. The verses immediately before and after offer further advice on diligence, honesty, and the dangers of rashness, reinforcing the theme that our inner disposition dictates our outward interactions and overall well-being.
"By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom." — This verse highlights that strife isn't just a byproduct of pride; it's often its sole cause, as pride makes us unwilling to bend or listen. True wisdom, in contrast, is found not in self-sufficien…
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Last reviewed October 2026