Proverbs 17:19 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

He loveth transgression that loveth strife Because contention is in itself a sin, and is commonly accompanied or followed with many sins, as detraction, malice, hatred, pride, &c.; and he that exalteth his gate Namely, the gate of his house, that maketh it, and consequently his house, lofty and magnificent beyond what becomes his quality, that he may overtop and outshine his neighbours; which being an effect and evidence of pride and haughtiness, is here mentioned for all other evidences thereof. So the sense is, he who carries himself loftily and scornfully; seeketh destruction Seeks those things which will expose him to destruction, because he makes himself odious both to God and men.