Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Reflects agricultural society where meat was expensive luxury, vegetables daily fare. Yet the proverb insists that relational quality exceeds dietary quality in importance.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you sacrificing relational harmony for material abundance?
- How can you prioritize love over luxury in your household decisions?
Analysis & Commentary
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Modest meal with love beats lavish feast with hatred. This 'better than' saying subordinates material abundance to relational harmony. The 'stalled ox' represents expensive feast; 'dinner of herbs' represents simple vegetables. Yet love makes poverty rich; hatred makes wealth miserable. Relationships matter more than resources.