Verse 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. On this verse Melanchthon reminds his pupils of the old Greek adage, “A mountain cannot mix with a mountain.” that is, two high-minded or proud men will never agree: but with the lowly, (comp. Proverbs 11:2,) those sufficiently humble to be advised is practical wisdom, or prudence in avoiding dissensions. “It is uncertain what word the ‘ only’ qualities. We may have, 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. The latter construction is preferable.” Speaker’s Commentary. The Geneva Bible version renders the first clause, “Only by pride doth man make contention,” and makes this marginal note: “Whereas every man contendeth to have the pre-eminence, and will not give place to another.”
Be the first to react on this!
