6. Rising up in great contentions. The scriptures teach that another form of wickedness that results from pride is contention. “Only by pride cometh contention” (Proverbs 13:10; see also Proverbs 28:25). Contentions result from the prideful power struggle that comes from pitting ourselves-our possessions or our intellect against others. The proud are easily offended, hold grudges, withhold forgiveness, and will not receive counsel or correction. All of these internal traits become a fertile seedbed for the external manifestation of contention.
The Savior warned of the evil of contention (see 3 Nephi 11:28-29), because it repels the Spirit of the Lord and opens the door to other “fiery darts” of the adversary. “Contention does not usually begin as strife between countries,” Elder Russell M. Nelson declared.“More often, it starts with an individual, for we can contend within ourselves over simple matters of right and wrong. From there, contention can infect neighbors and nations like a spreading sore.... The work of the adversary may be likened to loading guns in opposition to the work of God. Salvos containing germs of contention are aimed and fired at strategic targets essential to that holy work. These vital targets include-in addition to the individual-the family, leaders of the Church, and divine doctrine.” (CR, April 1989, pp. 85-86.)