Proverbs 17:1
Proverbs 17:1 in Multiple Translations
Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife.
Better a bit of dry bread in peace, than a house full of feasting and violent behaviour.
Better to eat a dry scrap in peace than to feast in a house full of people arguing.
Better is a dry morsell, if peace be with it, then an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Better [is] a dry morsel, and rest with it, Than a house full of the sacrifices of strife.
Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness with it, than a house full of sacrifices with strife.
Better is a dry morsel with joy, than a house full of victims with strife.
It is better to eat a dry piece of bread and not have strife/quarrels than to have a big feast in a house where everyone is quarreling.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 17:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֤וֹב
פַּ֣ת
חֲ֭רֵבָה
וְ/שַׁלְוָה
בָ֑/הּ
מִ֝/בַּ֗יִת
מָלֵ֥א
זִבְחֵי
רִֽיב
ט֤וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
פַּ֣ת
path
H6595
morsel
N-fs
חֲ֭רֵבָה
chârêb
H2720
dry
Adj
וְ/שַׁלְוָה
shalvâh
H7962
ease
Conj | N-fs
בָ֑/הּ
Prep | Suff
מִ֝/בַּ֗יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
מָלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4392
full
Adj
זִבְחֵי
zebach
H2077
sacrifice
N-mp
רִֽיב
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:1
ט֤וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
פַּ֣ת
path
H6595
"morsel"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a small piece of food, like a bite of bread. It is used in passages like Genesis and Exodus to describe eating. This word is about sharing a meal.
Definition: fragment, bit, morsel (of bread), piece Also means: pa.tot (פָּתוֹת "morsel" H6595B)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: meat, morsel, piece. See also: Genesis 18:5; 2 Samuel 12:3; Psalms 147:17.
חֲ֭רֵבָה
chârêb
H2720
"dry"
Adj
This word describes a place that is dry and barren, often due to lack of water. In the Bible, it is used to describe the consequences of God's judgment. The prophet Isaiah used this word to describe a desolate land.
Definition: dry
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: desolate, dry, waste. See also: Leviticus 7:10; Ezekiel 36:35; Proverbs 17:1.
וְ/שַׁלְוָה
shalvâh
H7962
"ease"
Conj | N-fs
This word describes a state of quietness and ease, like having abundance and prosperity. It can also mean having a false sense of security, but in the Bible, it often refers to the peace and tranquility that comes from God.
Definition: quietness, ease, prosperity Aramaic equivalent: she.le.vah (שְׁלֵוָה "ease" H7963)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: abundance, peace(-ably), prosperity, quietness. See also: Psalms 122:7; Ezekiel 16:49; Proverbs 1:32.
בָ֑/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
מִ֝/בַּ֗יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מָלֵ֥א
mâlêʼ
H4392
"full"
Adj
Full means having no empty space, like a full cup or a full heart. It can also mean a large amount, like a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) full, fulness, that which fills 1a) fully (adv)
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] she that was with child, fill(-ed, -ed with), full(-ly), multitude, as is worth. See also: Genesis 23:9; Deuteronomy 6:11; Psalms 73:10.
זִבְחֵי
zebach
H2077
"sacrifice"
N-mp
A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.
Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.
רִֽיב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:1
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:1
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
1Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.
2A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers. 3A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 15:17 | Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:16 | Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked. |
| 3 | Proverbs 21:19 | Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife. |
| 4 | Proverbs 21:9 | Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. |
| 5 | Proverbs 7:14 | “I have made my peace offerings; today I have paid my vows. |
Proverbs 17:1 Summary
This verse is saying that it's better to have a simple and peaceful life, even if it means having less, than to have a life of abundance and luxury but with conflict and strife. This is because peace and harmony are more valuable than material possessions, as we see in Proverbs 15:16 and 1 Timothy 6:6. By prioritizing peace and simplicity, we can experience a deeper sense of joy and contentment, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4 and Matthew 6:33. By focusing on what truly matters, we can find happiness and fulfillment in our lives, regardless of our circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a 'dry morsel in quietness'?
This phrase refers to having a simple and peaceful life, free from conflict and strife, as opposed to having an abundance of material possessions and feasting, but with argument and discord, as seen in Proverbs 15:16 and Proverbs 16:8.
Is it always better to have less and be at peace, or can we have both abundance and peace?
According to the Bible, it is possible to have both abundance and peace, but it requires a heart that is focused on God and His ways, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4 and Matthew 6:33.
How can I apply this verse to my own life and relationships?
By prioritizing peace and harmony in our relationships, and being willing to simplify our lives if necessary, we can experience the blessing of a 'dry morsel in quietness', as encouraged in Proverbs 22:1 and 1 Peter 3:3-4.
What does this verse say about the importance of family and relationships?
This verse highlights the importance of having peaceful and loving relationships, even if it means having fewer material possessions, as seen in Proverbs 17:2 and Ephesians 4:32-5:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I prioritize abundance and feasting over peace and quietness?
- How can I cultivate a heart of contentment and peace in the midst of simplicity?
- What are some relationships in my life that I need to prioritize and nurture, even if it means simplifying my life?
- What does it mean to me to have a 'dry morsel in quietness', and how can I experience this in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:1
Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness therewith,.... A small quantity of bread; a broken piece of bread, as the word (w) signifies; which has been long broken off, and become "dry" (x); a dry crust
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:1
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. Better is a dry morsel - without butter or oil (Leviticus 7:10).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
CHAPTER 17 Of sacrifices; of the remainders of sacrifices, of which they used to make feasts; of which See Poole "". Or, of slain beasts, as that word is used, , and elsewhere.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
Proverbs 17:1 Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices [with] strife.Ver. 1. Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith.] Though there be not so much as a little vinegar to dip in. The Hebrew word properly signifies a morsel of bread, as Rabbi Elias tells us. So, then, better is a crust of coarse bread without any other dainties or dishes - never so little, with love and peace - than a houseful of sacrifices; that is, of good cheer, usual at offering up of sacrifices. And hereunto Saint James seems to allude in Proverbs 5:5.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
XVII. (1) A house full of sacrifices.—Possibly the same as the “peace offerings” of Proverbs 7:14 (where see note). The consumption of these may have at times degenerated into licence (comp. 1 Samuel 1:13), and quarrelling have ensued.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
CHAPTER XVII Contentment. The wise servant. The Lord tries the heart. Children a crown to their parents. We should hide our neighbour's faults. The poor should not be despised. Litigations and quarrels to be avoided. Wealth is useless to a fool. The good friend. A fool may pass for a wise man when he holds his peace.
NOTES ON CHAP. XVII Verse 1. Better is a dry morsel] Peace and contentment, and especially domestic peace, are beyond all other blessings. A house full of sacrifices] A Hindoo priest, who officiates at a festival, sometimes receives so many offerings that his house is filled with them, so that many of them are damaged before they can be used.-Ward.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:1
1. sacrifices with strife] Lit. sacrifices of strife, but better rendered, good cheer with strife, A.V. marg.; or, feasting with strife, R.V. text. This rendering, however, may be arrived at in either of two ways, (1) We may suppose that the ordinance of feasting on part of a sacrifice Leviticus 7:16; Leviticus 19:6-8) appealed so to the popular mind, that the restriction to “the place which the Lord their God should choose” (Deuteronomy 12:4-14) came to be neglected, and as is too commonly the case, with Christmas, for example, in our own day, the word which should have denoted a religious act before God, sank down to mean a mere worldly feast at home. (2) But it may be doubted whether the Heb. for sacrifice is not used here in the sense of animals slain or killed for eating, as in Deuteronomy 12:15; 1 Samuel 28:24; 1 Kings 19:21; and Ezekiel 39:17, compared with Revelation 19:17, where θυσία of the LXX. becomes δεῖπνον. See also Matthew 22:4.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:1
Sacrifices - The feast accompanied the offerings Proverbs 7:14. Part of the victims were burned upon the altar, the rest was consumed by the worshipper and his friends.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:1
1. A dry morsel — As we say, a dry crust; that is, without any of the usual accompaniments of butter, drink, or anything to moisten or flavour it. A house full of sacrifices — Or, slaughterings; slaughtered beasts.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Preserving Unity by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of preserving the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. He emphasizes that unity is not something that needs to be create |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 3 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of finding Christ in a home. He emphasizes the importance of free will and how it can affect one's relationship with God. Th |
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God's People Will Never Be Ashamed by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity. It highlights the need to commit to God's promises, believe in His ability to work mirac |
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God's People Will Never Be Ashamed in the Time of Calamity by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during times of fear and calamity, highlighting the need to commit to God's promises and believe in His ability to work mir |
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The Great Divide by Chuck Smith | This sermon focuses on the great divide between those who serve God faithfully and those who have forsaken Him, as depicted in Matthew 25. It emphasizes the importance of worshipin |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 45 Psalm 37 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 37, emphasizing David's reflections on the fate of the righteous versus the wicked. He encourages believers not to fret over evildoers, as their prosp |
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True Poverty of Spirit by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the concept of true poverty of spirit, illustrating how the human heart is ensnared by a fierce desire for material possessions, which distracts from a genuin |