Proverbs 17:19
He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
Original Language Analysis
מַגְבִּ֥יהַּ
and he that exalteth
H1361
מַגְבִּ֥יהַּ
and he that exalteth
Strong's:
H1361
Word #:
5 of 8
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
פִּ֝תְח֗וֹ
his gate
H6607
פִּ֝תְח֗וֹ
his gate
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
6 of 8
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
Cross References
Proverbs 16:18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.Proverbs 18:12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.Proverbs 17:14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.Proverbs 29:9If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.Proverbs 24:27Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.James 1:20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.1 Kings 1:5Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.2 Samuel 15:1And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
Historical Context
Ancient architecture expressed status—higher gates and doorways indicated wealth and importance. Exalting one's gate meant prideful self-promotion. This provoked envy, invited enemies, and attracted divine judgment. Haman built gallows to exalt himself by hanging Mordecai, but died on them himself (Esther 5:14, 7:10). Herod's prideful self-exaltation brought divine judgment (Acts 12:21-23). Pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you love strife, finding perverse pleasure in conflict and argument?
- In what ways might you be 'exalting your gate'—promoting yourself pridefully?
- How does humble submission to God (James 4:10) protect from destruction that pride invites?
Analysis & Commentary
He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. Ohev pesha ohev matsah (אֹהֵב פֶּשַׁע אֹהֵב מַצָּה, loving transgression loves strife). Those who love conflict love sin—strife enables and expresses rebellion. Magbiyah pitcho mevaqesh shever (מַגְבִּיהַּ פִּתְחוֹ מְבַקֵּשׁ שָׁבֶר, exalting his gate seeks destruction). Magbiyah pitcho (raising his doorway/gate) represents pride, ostentation, self-exaltation. Such arrogance invites ruin. The proverb warns that contentious pride leads to destruction. James 4:1-6 connects strife with proud desires, urging submission to God who gives grace to the humble.