The following is an excerpt from the book, My Son, Hear My Words: Notes on Proverbs.
“Better is a dish of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox served with hatred” (15:17). “Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it than a house full of feasting with strife” (17:1). A poor family is able to sustain itself on little more than a “dish of vegetables” and a “dry morsel.” While such a condition may not be desirable in itself, Solomon makes the point that if there is love and quietness (the absence of strife) within a home, poverty can be endured. More than that, the prosperity that allows one to enjoy feasting is not worth pursuing if it leads to hatred and strife within the home. Too many people sacrifice family in order to pursue success in the things of this life. But no amount of this world’s wealth can replace the blessing of harmony in the home.
You can read more comments on the book of Proverbs in My Son, Hear My Words: Notes on Proverbs. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!