Proverbs 25:24
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and 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
שֶׁ֥בֶת
to dwell
H3427
שֶׁ֥בֶת
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 the corner
H6438
פִּנַּת
in the corner
Strong's:
H6438
Word #:
4 of 9
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
Cross References
Proverbs 21:19It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.Proverbs 21:9It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.Proverbs 19:13A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern houses had flat roofs used for various purposes. A corner of roof was minimal, exposed space - uncomfortable but solitary. The comparison emphasizes that constant strife makes even luxury miserable. Proverbs 21:9 and 21:19 repeat this, and 27:15 compares contentious woman to constant dripping. While gendered language reflects patriarchal culture, principle applies universally: chronic conflict makes any living situation unbearable.
Questions for Reflection
- What relationships or living situations involve constant strife that degrades your quality of life?
- How might you be the 'contentious' person making others' lives miserable?
- What changes would cultivate peace in your relationships and living environments?
Analysis & Commentary
Better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than share a house with a contentious woman. The Hebrew 'pinnah gag' (corner of roof) and 'midyanim' (contentions/strife) create stark contrast. Small uncomfortable space alone beats spacious house with constant conflict. Peace is more valuable than comfort; tranquility than luxury. This applies to all contentious relationships - peaceful poverty beats prosperous strife. Choose relationships wisely; chronic conflict destroys quality of life.