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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/17-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_17_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 17:1 - Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm" title="Proverbs 16:33">◄</a> Proverbs 17:1 <a href="/proverbs/17-2.htm" title="Proverbs 17:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices <i>with</i> strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting <i>with</i> strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel and tranquility with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel [of food served] with quietness <i>and</i> peace Than a house full of feasting [served] with strife <i>and</i> contention.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than an house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Better a bite of dry bread [eaten] in peace than a family feast filled with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Better to eat a dry crust of bread with peace of mind than have a banquet in a house full of trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Dry crumbs in peace are better than a full meal with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Better is a dry crust of bread where there is quietness than a house full of feasting with strife. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel, and quietness with it, than a house full of sacrifices with strife.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better [is] a dry morsel, and rest with it, "" Than a house full of the sacrifices of strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is a dry morsel, and rest with it, Than a house full of the sacrifices of strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Good a dry morsel and peace with it, above a house full of sacrifices of contention.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel with joy, than a house full of victims with strife. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A dry morsel with gladness is better than a house full of sacrifices along with conflict.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Better a dry crust with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />BETTER is dry bread, and quietness with it, than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Dry bread in quietness is better than a house full of the sacrifices of judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house <i>full</i> of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3298" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">Better</a> <a href="/hebrew/2720.htm" title="2720: ḥă·rê·ḇāh (Adj-fs) -- Parched, ruined. From charab; parched or ruined.">a dry</a> <a href="/hebrew/6595.htm" title="6595: paṯ (N-fs) -- Fragment, bit, morsel. From pathath; a bit.">morsel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7962.htm" title="7962: wə·šal·wāh- (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Quietness, ease. From shalah; security.">in quietness</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: mib·ba·yiṯ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">than a house</a> <a href="/hebrew/4392.htm" title="4392: mā·lê (Adj-ms) -- Full. From male'; full or filling; also fulness; adverbially, fully.">full of</a> <a href="/hebrew/2077.htm" title="2077: ziḇ·ḥê- (N-mpc) -- A sacrifice. From zabach; properly, a slaughter, i.e. The flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice.">feasting</a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: rîḇ (N-ms) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">with strife.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6</a></span><br />Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16-17</a></span><br />Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil. / Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6</a></span><br />Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-31.htm">Matthew 6:31-33</a></span><br />Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ / For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. / But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-12</a></span><br />I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">1 Peter 3:3-4</a></span><br />Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-16.htm">James 3:16-18</a></span><br />For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. / But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-9.htm">Proverbs 21:9</a></span><br />Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-19.htm">Proverbs 21:19</a></span><br />Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-24.htm">Proverbs 25:24</a></span><br />Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Proverbs 15:27</a></span><br />He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/133-1.htm">Psalm 133:1</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.</p><p class="hdg">an house</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-14.htm">Proverbs 7:14</a></b></br> <i>I have</i> peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.</p><p class="hdg">sacrifices</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-9.htm">Proverbs 21:9,19</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Better</a> <a href="/psalms/32-9.htm">Bit</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-11.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/job/7-5.htm">Crust</a> <a href="/psalms/129-6.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/job/1-18.htm">Feasting</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-14.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">House</a> <a href="/job/31-17.htm">Morsel</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/job/34-29.htm">Quietness</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-14.htm">Sacrifices</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm">Violent</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/19-3.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Better</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Bit</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-13.htm">Bread</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-36.htm">Crust</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Dry</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Feasting</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-12.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Morsel</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Quietness</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Sacrifices</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-16.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Violent</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Better a dry morsel in quietness</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of peace and contentment over material abundance. In ancient Israel, bread was a staple food, and a "dry morsel" suggests a simple, perhaps stale piece of bread, indicating minimal sustenance. The cultural context highlights that even the simplest meal is preferable when accompanied by peace. This aligns with the biblical theme that spiritual and relational well-being surpass material wealth (<a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</a>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6</a>). The idea of quietness or peace is often associated with God's presence and blessing (<a href="/isaiah/32-17.htm">Isaiah 32:17-18</a>).<p><b>than a house full of feasting with strife</b><br>Feasting represents abundance and celebration, common in the Near Eastern culture during festivals and significant events. However, the presence of strife negates the joy that such abundance should bring. This reflects the biblical principle that discord and conflict can ruin even the most prosperous circumstances (<a href="/james/3-16.htm">James 3:16</a>). The "house" symbolizes the family or community setting, where harmony is crucial. The comparison underscores the biblical teaching that true prosperity is found in relationships marked by love and peace, rather than in material wealth alone (<a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Proverbs 15:17</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/13.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical insights into living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where family and community life were central, and meals were significant social and religious events.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/feasting.htm">Feasting</a></b><br>In the context of ancient Israel, feasting was a time of celebration and abundance, often associated with religious festivals or significant life events.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/strife.htm">Strife</a></b><br>This term refers to conflict or discord, which can disrupt peace and harmony within a household or community.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/q/quietness.htm">Quietness</a></b><br>Represents peace and tranquility, a state of being that is highly valued in biblical wisdom literature.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_peace_over_prosperity.htm">Value of Peace Over Prosperity</a></b><br>True contentment and peace are more valuable than material abundance. Strive for a peaceful home environment rather than one filled with conflict, even if it means having less materially.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_simplicity.htm">Contentment in Simplicity</a></b><br>Embrace simplicity and find joy in the small things. A simple life with peace is more fulfilling than a life of luxury filled with discord.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_strife.htm">Guarding Against Strife</a></b><br>Be vigilant in maintaining peace in your relationships. Address conflicts early and seek reconciliation to prevent strife from taking root.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_prioritizing_relationships.htm">Wisdom in Prioritizing Relationships</a></b><br>Prioritize relationships over material wealth. Invest time and effort in building harmonious relationships with family and community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_riches_over_earthly_wealth.htm">Spiritual Riches Over Earthly Wealth</a></b><br>Focus on spiritual growth and the riches of a relationship with God, which bring true peace and contentment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_theme_of_house_of_bondage.htm">What does 'lead a quiet life' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_nosiness.htm">What does the Bible say about being nosy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'lead_a_quiet_life'_mean.htm">What does "lead a quiet life" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_9_17_suggest_theft's_allure.htm">Proverbs 9:17 suggests stolen water is sweet. Does this imply that forbidden acts have inherent appeal, and how does this reconcile with other passages condemning theft?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XVII.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">A house full of sacrifices.--</span>Possibly the same as the "peace offerings" of <a href="/proverbs/7-14.htm" title="I have peace offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows.">Proverbs 7:14</a> (where see note). The consumption of these may have at times degenerated into licence (comp. <a href="/1_samuel/1-13.htm" title="Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.">1Samuel 1:13</a>), and quarrelling have ensued.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - (Comp, <a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16, 17</a>; <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a>.) <span class="cmt_word">Better</span> (sweeter) <span class="cmt_word">is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith.</span> Dry bread was soaked in wine or water before it was eaten. Thus Boaz bid Ruth "dip her morsel in the vinegar" (<a href="/ruth/2-14.htm">Ruth 2:14</a>); thus Jesus gave the sop to Judas when he had dipped it (<a href="/john/13-26.htm">John 13:26</a>). The Septuagint is pleonastic, "Better is a morsel with joy in peace." Aben Ezra connects this verse with the last two of ch. 16, confining the application to the patient man; but the sentence seems rather to be independent and general. <span class="cmt_word">Than an house full of sacrifices with strife.</span> Of the thank or peace offerings part only was burnt upon the altar, the rest was eaten by the offerer and his family; and as the victims were always the choicest animals, "a house full of sacrifices" would contain the materials for sumptuous feasting (see on Proverbs 7:4). The joyous family festival often degenerated into excess, which naturally led to quarrels and strife (see <a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5, 6, 13</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/2-13.htm">1 Samuel 2:13</a>, etc.). So the agapae of the early Church were desecrated by licence and selfishness (<a href="/1_corinthians/11-20.htm">1 Corinthians 11:20</a>, etc.). Septuagint, "than a house full of many good things and unrighteous victims with contention." With this verse compare the Spanish proverb, "Mas vale un pedazo de pan con amor, que gallinas con dolor." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Better</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֤וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a dry</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲ֭רֵבָה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·rê·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2720.htm">Strong's 2720: </a> </span><span class="str2">Parched, ruined</span><br /><br /><span class="word">morsel</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(paṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6595.htm">Strong's 6595: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fragment, bit, morsel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in quietness</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשַׁלְוָה־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šal·wāh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7962.htm">Strong's 7962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Quietness, ease</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than a house</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֝בַּ֗יִת</span> <span class="translit">(mib·ba·yiṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">full of</span><br /><span class="heb">מָלֵ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(mā·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4392.htm">Strong's 4392: </a> </span><span class="str2">Full, filling, fulness, fully</span><br /><br /><span class="word">feasting</span><br /><span class="heb">זִבְחֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(ziḇ·ḥê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2077.htm">Strong's 2077: </a> </span><span class="str2">A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with strife.</span><br /><span class="heb">רִֽיב׃</span> <span class="translit">(rîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strife, dispute</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-1.htm">Proverbs 17:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>