It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

PROVERBS 25:24KJV
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Proverbs 25:24 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 25:24 mean?

Proverbs 25:24 says it is better to live alone in a small, uncomfortable place—like the corner of a rooftop—than to share a large, comfortable house with a quarrelsome woman. The verse uses a vivid image to highlight how constant conflict can make even the best circumstances unpleasant.

This proverb comes from a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to King Solomon, offering practical advice about daily life. The focus is not on gender, but on the misery caused by ongoing strife in close relationships. The verse uses exaggeration to make its point clear: peace is more valuable than comfort or space.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 25:24

  • "corner" (פִּנָּה, pinnāh): This word means a literal corner or edge, emphasizing how cramped and isolated the place is. The image is of someone retreating to the farthest, smallest spot to avoid conflict.
  • "brawling" (מָדוֹן, māḏôn): This word often means strife or contention, not just loud arguing but ongoing, nagging conflict. The emphasis is on a continual atmosphere of tension.
  • "wide" (חֶבֶר, ḥeber): This word means broad or spacious, showing that even a large, comfortable house cannot make up for a lack of peace.

Why Proverbs 25:24 matters

  • Proverbs 25:24 clears up the idea that material comfort or a large home guarantees happiness; the verse stresses that peace in relationships is more important.
  • The verse highlights how damaging constant conflict can be, making even the best situations feel unbearable.
  • This proverb fits into a larger biblical theme about the value of peace and harmony in the home, showing that wisdom is practical and concerned with everyday life.

Where else these words appear

“wide” Hebrew H2267 · used in 7 verses

  • Deuteronomy 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
  • Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
  • Isaiah 47:12 Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.

“brawling” Hebrew H4079 · used in 9 verses

  • Proverbs 18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
  • Proverbs 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
  • Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?

“brawling” Hebrew H4066 · used in 18 verses

  • Psalms 80:6 Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
  • Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
  • Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

“housetop” Hebrew H1406 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
  • 1 Samuel 9:26 And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
  • Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.