But with the well advised is wisdom…
1.) The contrast: contention is listed as the opposite of wisdom.
a.) In other words, it is WISE to avoid contention…
b.) It is folly to pursue contention.
c.) The wise man will follow the advice in this proverb and avoid contention.
d.) Fighting is stupid… foolish… not helpful… it destroys homes, churches, relationships, etc.
2.) The second contrast: between a proud man and one who is well advised.
a.) At first it’s hard to see the relationship…
b.) However, think of this pride as a proud arrogance…
· Here is a man who thinks he knows it all…
· He thinks his way is always right…
· He thinks his opinions are always right… and everyone else’s opinions are worthless…
· He’s the man who will not listen to anyone. He won’t take advice. He is close-minded. There is no talking to him.
· This kind of pride always results in contention.
c.) The OPPOSITE of this kind of proud, arrogant man is the man who is well advised.
d.) Well advised: to advise, consult, give counsel,
· This man is one who takes advice; listens to counsel; consults with others…
· He is not a proud arrogant know it all.
· He is a humble man who knows he needs advice and counsel… and he takes it in… weighs it… and responds in a right way to it.
· Prov. 15:22 - Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
· Prov. 24:6 - For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
· An arrogant man would not seek counsel… he wants to do it his way.
· A proud man would not consult with others to try to understand their view. He thinks his view is always right.
· Hence, the proud man sets himself up for contention… (with those who know better)
· But with the humble man, who SEEKS COUNSEL and is thus well advised … with this humble man is WISDOM.
· Arrogant pride leads to contention. Humble seeking after counsel results in wisdom.