Pride Severs Counsel; Humility Receives Wisdom

The proverb declares that contention springs only from pride, while wisdom dwells with the well-advised. Joseph S. Exell's Biblical Illustrator (1887) distinguishes these opposing spirits: the proud man esteems himself better than others; the humble man esteems others better than himself.

Pride produces three ruinous effects. First, it severs a man from reproof, rebuke, criticism, and counsel—the very instruments through which wisdom is acquired. Without these salutary corrections, no one advances in understanding. Second, pride kindles strife. Whether among monarchs waging war or in private quarrels, pride rather than righteousness fans the flames of division. Even social competition's foolish extravagances trace to this root. The haughty spirit becomes a curse and torment to all, like a cold, biting wind that breaks the humble heart, excites the wrathful, and corrupts the weak.

Third, pride is hateful to Adonai. The proud man, knowingly or not, pits himself against the Omnipotent in direct conflict. If the Spirit is to dwell in a human heart, that heart must be emptied of all pride—stripped of self-importance's barriers, laid open to receive the incoming breath of Yahweh.

By contrast, the mild spirit preserves peace. When hard flints strike together, sparks fly; but soft matter deadens the force of bullets. A humble heart, receptive to counsel and stripped of self-regard, becomes the dwelling place of wisdom.