Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
Original Language Analysis
ט֗וֹב
It is better
H2896
ט֗וֹב
It is better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 9
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
לָשֶׁ֥בֶת
to dwell
H3427
לָשֶׁ֥בֶת
to dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּנַּת
in a corner
H6438
פִּנַּת
in a corner
Strong's:
H6438
Word #:
4 of 9
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
Cross References
Proverbs 19:13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.Proverbs 25:24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.Proverbs 21:19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.Proverbs 12:4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.Proverbs 15:17Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.Proverbs 17:1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Historical Context
Flat roofs were common in ancient Palestine, used for various purposes. A 'corner of the housetop' would be exposed to weather and uncomfortable, yet preferable to indoor strife.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you a source of peace or contention in your relationships?
- How can spouses cultivate gentle, peaceable communication rather than constant quarreling?
- What does this proverb teach about the priority of relational harmony over physical comfort?
Analysis & Commentary
Living in a 'corner of the housetop' (exposed roof corner) is better than sharing a house with a 'brawling woman.' The Hebrew 'midyan' (brawling/contentious) describes constant quarreling. This hyperbolic comparison emphasizes how unbearable contentious companionship is—better to be uncomfortable and alone than comfortable and in conflict. Reformed theology values peace and gentle speech, especially in marriage. While applied here to wives, the principle applies to all relationships. Constant contention destroys fellowship and makes even pleasant surroundings miserable.