Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

PROVERBS 17:1KJV
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Proverbs 17:1 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 17:1 mean?

Proverbs 17:1 says that having a simple meal in a peaceful home is better than having a house full of feasting and offerings if there is conflict and fighting. The verse values peace and quiet over abundance and outward religious activity when those things come with strife.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed at teaching practical wisdom for daily life. The verse uses the image of a “dry morsel” (a plain, perhaps stale piece of bread) to highlight how even the simplest life is preferable if it comes with “quietness,” compared to a house filled with “sacrifices” (large, festive meals) but marked by “strife.” The focus is on the quality of relationships and atmosphere in the home, not just material abundance or religious rituals.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 17:1

  • “Better” (טוֹב, tov): This word means “good” or “better,” emphasizing a comparison of value, not just preference. It sets up the proverb as a lesson in what is truly desirable.
  • “Dry” (חָרֵב, kharev): This word means “dry,” suggesting a piece of food that is not fresh or luxurious. It underscores the simplicity and even lack in the meal.
  • “Sacrifices” (זֶבַח, zevakh): While often used for animal offerings in worship, here it points to the large, festive meals that accompanied sacrifices. The proverb is not only about religious ritual but also about abundance and celebration.
  • “Strife” (רִיב, riv): This word means “quarrel” or “dispute.” It highlights that conflict in the home can ruin even the most lavish setting.

Why Proverbs 17:1 matters

  • Proverbs 17:1 corrects the idea that more wealth or religious activity automatically leads to happiness or blessing; it shows that peace is more valuable than abundance.
  • The proverb emphasizes that the atmosphere of a home—marked by quietness or strife—matters more than outward appearances or rituals.
  • This verse connects to a broader theme in Proverbs that true wisdom values inner qualities and relationships over external show or material gain.

Where else these words appear

“quietness” Hebrew H7962 · used in 8 verses

  • Psalms 122:7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.
  • Jeremiah 22:21 I spake unto thee in thy prosperity; but thou saidst, I will not hear. This hath been thy manner from thy youth, that thou obeyedst not my voice.
  • Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

“dry” Hebrew H2720 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 7:10 And every meat offering, mingled with oil, and dry, shall all the sons of Aaron have, one as much as another.
  • Jeremiah 33:10 Thus saith the LORD; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say shall be desolate without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast,
  • Ezekiel 36:38 As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

“morsel” Hebrew H6595 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
  • Ruth 2:14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.
  • Job 31:17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;

“strife” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.