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Proverbs 17:1
Betteris a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrificeswith strife.

Proverbs 21:19
It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Psalm 133:1
A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasantit is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

than a fattened ox with hatred
In contrast, a "fattened ox" represents wealth, luxury, and abundance. In ancient times, serving a fattened ox was a sign of prosperity and was often reserved for special occasions or feasts. However, the presence of "hatred" negates the joy and satisfaction that such abundance might bring. This reflects the biblical principle that discord and animosity can ruin even the most lavish circumstances, as seen inJames 3:16, where envy and selfish ambition lead to disorder. The proverb underscores the futility of wealth without love, echoing Jesus' teaching inMatthew 16:26 about the worthlessness of gaining the world but losing one's soul. The contrast between the two scenarios highlights the biblical truth that spiritual and relational wealth far surpasses material wealth.

- The proverb starts by picturing the simplest of meals—“a dish of vegetables.” In Solomon’s day this was the fare of the poor, a reminder that modest provisions are no shame in God’s sight.

- Contentment with little is repeatedly praised in Scripture: “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil” (Proverbs 15:16). Paul echoes the same spirit: “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:8).

- The emphasis is not on the menu but on the heart that receives it. A plate of greens becomes a feast when shared in righteousness and peace (Romans 14:17).

- Love is the ingredient that transforms scarcity into abundance. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

- In a loving household, even humble fare communicates honor, unity, and mutual care. “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

- Love marks true discipleship (John 13:35) and gives value to every sacrifice (1 Corinthians 13:3). Without it, the best food is tasteless in God’s economy.

- A “fattened ox” points to lavish celebration—prime meat reserved for wealthy feasts (cf.Luke 15:23). The verse does not condemn abundance itself; Scripture recognizes God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).

- The warning is about misplaced confidence in luxury. Jesus cautions, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).

- Material plenty, when isolated from godly relationships, cannot satisfy the soul (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

- Hatred sours the richest table. Strife, bitterness, and resentment make fellowship impossible. “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16).

- Proverbs repeats the lesson: “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife” (Proverbs 17:1).

- Hatred not only ruins appetite; it alienates us from God, for “whoever hates his brother is in the darkness” (1 John 2:11). Relational breakdown is a far greater loss than any economic scarcity.

Proverbs 15:17 elevates love above luxury, fellowship above food. A simple meal shared in genuine affection pleases God more than an extravagant banquet marred by hostility. The verse trains our hearts to prize relationships rooted in love, knowing that peace at the table is richer than any portion size.

"Si potes Archiacis conviva recumbere lectis,
Nec modica cenare times olus omne patella,
Supreme te sole domi, Torquate, manebo."

"If, dear Torquatus, you can rest your head
On couches such as homely Archias made,
Nor on a dish of simple pot herbs frown,
I shall expect you as the sun goes down."

(Howes.) So the old jingle -

"Cum dat oluscula menes minuscula pace quieta,
Ne pete grandia lautaque prandia lite repleta." A stalled ox is one taken up out of the pasture and fatted for the table. Thus we read (1 Kings 4:23) that part of Solomon's provision for one day was ten fat oxen and twenty oxen out of the pastures; and the prophets speak of "calves of the stall" (Amos 6:4;Malachi 4:2; comp.Luke 15:23). The fat beef implies a sumptuous and magnificent entertainment; but such a feast is little worth if accompanied with feelings of hatred, jealousy, and ill will. This and the preceding verse emphasize and explain ver. 15.

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