Contentious Pride - Proverbs 13:10

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “the light of the righteous rejoices: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out”, and in chapter thirteen and verse ten of Proverbs Solomon said, “only by pride comes contention” where we read,

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

The verse begins, “Only by pride comes contention:” Solomon began with the word, “only by pride” or “except, altogether, solely and surely through the means of insolence, presumptuousness and arrogance” “comes contention” which means “grants, ascribes, extends and produces strife and debate”. Solomon shared how solely through the means of arrogance and insolence does strife and debate arise.

The verse continues, “but with the well advised is wisdom.” Solomon added the words, “but with the well advised” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover alongside people who are advised, consulted, counseled and given purpose” “is wisdom” which means “exists skill, shrewdness and prudence”. Solomon said people who receive good counsel and are given purpose exist with skill and prudence.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon from where strife, wars and fightings come. (See James 4:1) “Pride” causes all of these, but there is a better way. God wants to give us His “wisdom” (See James 1:5), and when we humble ourselves and obey His words, we become skillful and prudent. God loves us, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for our sins to prove His love. When we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us by His Holy Spirit to be humble and “well advised” according to His truth and skillfulness.

Next time Solomon says, “wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".