Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 17:19

19 He loveth transgression, that loveth strife , and he that exalteth his gate , seeketh destruction .

Because contention is in it self a sin, and is commonly accompanied or followed with many sins, as detraction, malice, hatred, pride, &c.

Either 1. his mouth. i. e. who speaketh loftily: for we read of the gate or door of ones Mouth in Mich. 7. 5. and elsewere: but then the word Mouth or Tongue is added to determine the sense: but the Mouth is nowhere called the gate, simply or absolutely Or 2. the Gate of his House, that maketh it, and consequently his House, lofty and Magnificent, beyond what befits his quality. which being an evidence and effect of pride and haughtiness of Spirit is here mentioned for all the rest. So the sense is, He who carries himself loftily and scornfully.

He seeks those things which will expose him to destruction, because he maketh himself odious both to God and men. Or findeth destruction; seeking being put for finding or procuring▪ as above v. 9.

Marginal references: Or. house. Gen. 28. 17.