Pride leads to contention and division within the church, as stated in Proverbs 13:10.
The scripture emphasizes that 'by pride only cometh contention' (Proverbs 13:10), revealing that the root cause of divisions within the church is human pride. Individuals may elevate their opinions, preferences, or interpretations over others, leading to factions. This was the situation in Corinth, where some claimed allegiance to different leaders – Paul, Apollos, or Cephas – highlighting their misunderstanding of the gospel. Instead of recognizing their shared identity in Christ, they allowed pride to foster division. It serves as a caution to believers to guard against pride and embrace humility, which fosters fellowship and unity reflecting the true essence of the believer's identity in Christ.
Commentary