THE SOURCE OF ALL CONTENTION

“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10 KJV)
The NIV translation of Romans 12:18 If is is possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” It might seem like a tall order for you to strive to live peaceably with everyone. At times, the loss of peace in your relationships might not be anything you have done, but the bible still enjoins us to strive for this goal. It is one of those biblical truths that can be quite challenging to put in practice.
In order to help you fulfil the demand for peaceable living, the bible tells us in Proverbs 13:10 that pride is the only source for all contention, in other words, loss of peace in relationship with others. It seems quite simple and many people can quickly attest to this being true However, those who quickly agree with this do not realize the exclusive nature of the statement. It is exclusive of whatever the person has done to make you want to get angry. It is exclusive of the fact that the person might be stepping on your toes. It excludes the fact that you were by yourself and the person seeking contention came and took the war to you. It says that the sole reason for contention is pride.
When you begin to view the bible passage with this tint of exclusivity as described above, you will hopefully begin to gain insight into why we are in contention with others. The bible says it is something inside of us called pride that is provoking the contention. It is about how you manage or curtail completely pride in your life that will help you live at peace with all men.
The second part of Proverbs 13:10 addresses a vital truth: the one who is well-advised has wisdom. God’s Word is the key tool that keeps us from sinning. Even when people are provoking us, we become well advised if we allow the principles of the Word to rule us and not the pride within or the mechanism of this world. It is this attitude, defined by the Word of God, that is what the bible describes as a well-advised person, who has wisdom.
As you interact with people, remember God demands of you to eschew strife for where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil thing (James 3:16). God will grant us grace to remove pride and live peaceably with all people. God bless you and have a beautiful week in Jesus Name, Amen.