SEV Biblia, Chapter 17:19
¶ La prevaricación ama el que ama pleito; y el que alza su portada, quebrantamiento busca.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:19
Verse 19. He that exalteth his gate ] In different parts of Palestine they are obliged to have the doors of their courts and houses very low, not more than three feet high, to prevent the Arabs, who scarcely ever leave the backs of their horses, from riding into the courts and houses, and spoiling their goods. He, then, who, through pride and ostentation, made a high gate, exposed himself to destruction; and is said here to seek it, because he must know that this would be a necessary consequence of exalting his gate. But although the above is a fact, yet possibly gate is here taken for the mouth; and the exalting of the gate may mean proud boasting and arrogant speaking, such as has a tendency to kindle and maintain strife. And this interpretation seems to agree better with the scope of the context than the above.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 19. He loveth transgression that loveth strife , etc.] For strife is transgression, when it flows from a malignant spirit, is with bad views, about things to no profit, and for contention’s sake; otherwise to contend earnestly for the truth; to strive together for the faith of the Gospel, for matters of moment and importance, and not mere words; to strive lawfully in a cause that is just, and for truth and justice, is commendable and praiseworthy; [and] he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction ; that opens the door of his lips, and speaks proudly, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret it; who compare it with ( Micah 7:5); who set their mouths against heaven, and God in it; and whose tongue walks through the earth, and spares none there, ( Psalm 73:8,9); as antichrist, who opens his mouth in blasphemy against God and his tabernacle, and exalts himself above all that is called God; and such, sooner or later, bring destruction on themselves, and find it as surely as if they sought for it. Or this may be understood of proud ambitious persons, that build houses more magnificent than their substance will allow of, the gate being put for the whole; by which means they bring themselves to ruin. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions, have it in ( Proverbs 17:16), “he that buildeth his house high”; or who behaves proudly.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 19 - If we would keep a clear conscience and a quiet mind, we must shun all excitements to anger. And a man who affects a style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin.
Original Hebrew
אהב 157 פשׁע 6588 אהב 157 מצה 4683 מגביה 1361 פתחו 6607 מבקשׁ 1245 שׁבר׃ 7667
