Proverbs 15:17

KJV

Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

KJV (with Strong's)

Better {H2896} is a dinner {H737} of herbs {H3419} where love {H160} is, than a stalled {H75} ox {H7794} and hatred {H8135} therewith.

Complete Jewish Bible

Better a vegetable dinner with love than a stall-fattened ox with hate.

Berean Standard Bible

Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.

American Standard Version

Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:17 delivers a profound statement on the true nature of well-being, asserting that the emotional and spiritual climate of a relationship or home far surpasses material abundance in value. It contrasts a humble meal shared in an atmosphere of genuine affection with a lavish feast marred by animosity, unequivocally declaring the former to be superior. This proverb encapsulates the timeless biblical wisdom that true contentment and flourishing are rooted in the quality of one's relationships and the presence of peace, rather than in the accumulation of wealth or luxurious possessions, serving as an enduring reminder that the heart's condition profoundly shapes one's experience of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:17 is embedded within a rich collection of Solomonic wisdom sayings, primarily found in chapters 10-22, which are characterized by their concise, often antithetical, statements designed to impart practical and spiritual discernment. This particular verse follows a series of proverbs that consistently elevate spiritual and relational virtues over material wealth. For instance, [Proverbs 15:16](/proverbs/15-16 "Proverbs 15:16 - Better a Little with the Fear of the Lord") immediately precedes it, declaring, "Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith." This establishes a clear thematic trajectory, with verse 17 extending this principle to the intimate setting of meals and household dynamics. The broader chapter of [Proverbs 15](/proverbs/15 "Proverbs 15 - The Words of the Wise") frequently emphasizes the transformative power of speech, the importance of humility, and the Lord's omnipresence, all contributing to the relational and ethical framework within which verse 17's wisdom is best understood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in much of the ancient Near East, meals were profoundly significant social, economic, and spiritual events. They were central to hospitality, covenant-making, and the demonstration of status. The "dinner of herbs" (Hebrew: _yârâq_) would have been a simple, vegetarian meal, characteristic of a humble household or a time of scarcity. In stark contrast, a "stalled ox" (Hebrew: _shôwr_ from _ʼâbaç_) referred to a prime, fattened animal, specifically prepared for a grand feast, a major sacrifice, or for the consumption of a wealthy elite. Such an animal represented significant investment, luxury, and often, a symbol of prosperity and social standing. The cultural understanding of meals as communal events, often imbued with spiritual and social meaning, makes the proverb's contrast particularly poignant. It speaks to a society where honor, shame, and social bonds were deeply intertwined with shared meals, making the presence or absence of love and hatred a critical determinant of the meal's true, intrinsic value.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 15:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it underscores the **Supremacy of Relational Harmony over Material Wealth**, a recurring motif that challenges the common human tendency to equate happiness with prosperity. This theme is echoed in [Proverbs 17:1](/proverbs/17-1 "Proverbs 17:1 - Better a Dry Morsel with Quietness"), which states, "Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife." Secondly, the proverb highlights the **Destructive Nature of Hatred and Strife**, illustrating how animosity can corrupt even the most abundant blessings, rendering them meaningless and unsatisfying. This aligns with numerous proverbs that warn against anger, contention, and discord, such as [Proverbs 10:12](/proverbs/10-12 "Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred Stirs Up Strife"), which notes that "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses." Finally, the verse subtly emphasizes the **True Source of Contentment**, suggesting that inner peace and loving relationships, rather than external circumstances or material possessions, are the ultimate determinants of a fulfilling and blessed life. This wisdom encourages a profound reorientation of priorities towards spiritual and relational well-being.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word (H2896) is derived from a root meaning "good" in its broadest sense, encompassing qualities such as beauty, favor, pleasantness, and welfare. In this proverb, it functions as a comparative adjective, asserting a profound qualitative superiority. It implies not merely a slight preference but a fundamental difference in value, indicating that the condition of "love" elevates the "dinner of herbs" to a state of genuine good, welfare, and desirability, far surpassing the alternative.
* **love (Hebrew, _ʼahăbâh'_):** From H160, this term denotes deep affection, goodwill, and benevolent regard. While it can carry both positive and negative connotations in broader biblical usage, here it clearly refers to a disposition of the heart that fosters peace, unity, and genuine care within relationships. Its presence transforms a humble meal into a source of true nourishment, joy, and spiritual satisfaction, making it genuinely "good."
* **hatred (Hebrew, _sinʼâh'_):** Derived from H8135, this word signifies strong animosity, ill-will, or enmity. It represents the direct antithesis of love, bringing division, bitterness, and conflict. The proverb vividly illustrates how the presence of such a destructive force can corrupt and nullify the pleasure and benefit of even the most luxurious provisions, rendering them ultimately unsatisfying, harmful, and devoid of true "goodness."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Better is a dinner of herbs":** This initial clause introduces the first scenario, depicting a simple, humble meal—a "dinner of herbs" (Hebrew: _ʼăruchâh_ of _yârâq_). This imagery immediately evokes modesty, perhaps even scarcity, suggesting a lack of material abundance. The comparative term "better" (Hebrew: _ṭôwb_) sets the stage for a profound value judgment, indicating that the true worth of a situation lies beyond its material components.
* **"where love is":** This crucial phrase introduces the indispensable qualitative element that transforms the humble meal. The presence of "love" (Hebrew: _ʼahăbâh_) is presented as the essential ingredient that elevates the entire experience. It implies an atmosphere of affection, mutual respect, peace, and benevolent regard among those sharing the meal, making the simple fare deeply satisfying and nourishing to the soul in a way that material provision alone cannot.
* **"than a stalled ox":** This clause presents the contrasting scenario: a "stalled ox" (Hebrew: _ʼâbaç shôwr_), which refers to a fattened, prime animal, indicative of a lavish, expensive, and luxurious meal. This imagery represents material abundance, wealth, and often, social status. On its own, such a meal would be considered highly desirable and a sign of prosperity and blessing.
* **"and hatred therewith":** This final phrase introduces the destructive element that negates the value of the lavish meal. The presence of "hatred" (Hebrew: _sinʼâh_)—animosity, conflict, or ill-will—poisons the abundance, rendering the luxurious feast a source of misery, dissatisfaction, and spiritual emptiness. It powerfully underscores the truth that material prosperity cannot compensate for relational brokenness or a lack of peace.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 15:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, which sets "a dinner of herbs where love is" in direct opposition to "a stalled ox and hatred therewith." This stark juxtaposition highlights the opposing values and their respective outcomes, making the central point unmistakably clear. The images themselves function as potent **Symbolism**: the "dinner of herbs" symbolizes simplicity, humility, and perhaps even scarcity, while the "stalled ox" symbolizes luxury, abundance, and material wealth. These concrete material symbols are then contrasted with the abstract but profoundly impactful qualities of "love" and "hatred," which symbolize relational harmony and discord, respectively. The proverb also utilizes **Metonymy**, where "dinner of herbs" and "stalled ox" stand in for the entire lifestyle or household atmosphere associated with them. Furthermore, a subtle form of **Hyperbole** is present by presenting such extreme scenarios (the humblest meal versus the most lavish) to emphasize the absolute and radical superiority of love and peace over material gain when accompanied by animosity. This exaggeration serves to underscore the paramount importance of relational well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on the preeminence of love and righteousness over material possessions. It aligns with the wisdom tradition's consistent call to prioritize the spiritual and relational aspects of life, recognizing that true flourishing stems from a right relationship with God and with one another. The verse teaches that internal peace and loving fellowship are far more valuable than external displays of wealth or comfort, echoing the sentiment that "man does not live by bread alone." It highlights God's concern for the heart's condition and the quality of human relationships as foundational to a blessed life, rather than mere affluence. This theological truth is woven throughout Scripture, from the Law's emphasis on loving God and neighbor to the Prophets' denunciations of injustice despite ritualistic piety, and ultimately, to Christ's teachings on the new commandment.

* [Proverbs 17:1](/proverbs/17-1 "Proverbs 17:1 - Better a Dry Morsel with Quietness")
* [Psalm 37:16](/psalm/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - A Little with Righteousness")
* [Ecclesiastes 4:6](/ecclesiastes/4-6 "Ecclesiastes 4:6 - Better a Handful with Quietness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:17 offers timeless wisdom that profoundly challenges our modern tendencies to pursue material gain and external markers of success at the expense of our relationships and inner peace. It calls us to critically re-evaluate what truly constitutes a "rich" or "good" life. In a world often driven by consumerism, social climbing, and the relentless accumulation of possessions, this proverb serves as a vital reminder that the atmosphere within our homes, workplaces, and communities—an atmosphere defined by love, peace, mutual respect, and genuine connection—is infinitely more valuable and life-giving than any luxury or abundance we might acquire. It encourages us to intentionally cultivate environments where love can flourish, recognizing that even the simplest provisions, when shared with affection and harmony, become a source of profound joy, contentment, and spiritual nourishment. Conversely, it issues a sobering warning against allowing bitterness, resentment, or strife to poison our relationships, as these corrosive forces can render even the greatest material abundance meaningless, unsatisfying, and ultimately destructive. This verse is a powerful and pastoral call to prioritize relational health and spiritual well-being over fleeting material comforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "stalled oxen" in my life—the pursuits of material gain, status, or external validation—that might inadvertently be accompanied by "hatred," discontent, or relational strain?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate an atmosphere of love, peace, and genuine connection in my home, workplace, and relationships, even amidst challenging circumstances or limited resources?**
* **In what practical ways can I prioritize relational health and spiritual well-being over the relentless pursuit of material comforts or external success in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "stalled ox" mean in this proverb?**

Answer: A "stalled ox" (Hebrew: _ʼâbaç shôwr_) refers to an ox that has been fattened in a stall, specifically prepared for slaughter. In the context of ancient Israel, such an animal represented a significant investment and was reserved for lavish feasts, special occasions, or for the consumption of the wealthy. Therefore, it symbolizes abundance, luxury, and material prosperity, standing in stark contrast to a simple "dinner of herbs." The proverb uses this vivid imagery to highlight the vast difference between a humble meal and a grand one, emphasizing that the true value of either is determined not by its material components but by the presence or absence of love and hatred.

**Is this proverb against wealth or prosperity?**

Answer: No, this proverb is not inherently against wealth or prosperity. Instead, it is a profound statement about priorities and the true source of contentment and well-being. It teaches that material abundance, if accompanied by hatred, strife, or relational brokenness, loses its intrinsic value and cannot provide genuine satisfaction. Conversely, even in simplicity or scarcity, the presence of love and peace can make life rich, fulfilling, and truly "better." The Bible frequently affirms that wealth can be a blessing when acquired and used righteously (e.g., [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")), but it consistently warns against the love of money and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of spiritual or relational well-being (e.g., [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Kinds of Evil")).

**How does this proverb apply to modern family life?**

Answer: In modern family life, Proverbs 15:17 is incredibly relevant and offers profound guidance. It encourages families to prioritize love, respect, open communication, and harmonious relationships over the relentless pursuit of material possessions, lavish lifestyles, or even constant activity. It suggests that a simple family meal, shared with genuine affection, laughter, and meaningful conversation, is far more enriching and nourishing to the soul than an elaborate dinner where family members are distant, arguing, preoccupied with devices, or consumed by individual agendas. It challenges the pervasive cultural notion that more "stuff," a bigger house, or a more expensive vacation will automatically lead to happiness, instead asserting that a loving, peaceful, and relationally healthy home environment is the true and indispensable foundation of family well-being, regardless of economic status or external circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the love and peace that the proverb extols, and whose life and teachings consistently prioritized spiritual and relational truth over material gain. Christ Himself lived a humble life, often without a place to lay His head ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - The Son of Man Has Nowhere to Lay His Head")), yet He brought an abundance of divine love and eternal peace to all who believed. His most significant meal, the Last Supper, was not a "stalled ox" feast but a simple Passover meal, transformed by His presence and the institution of the new covenant, where He gave His disciples the new commandment to "love one another, as I have loved you" ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - New Commandment to Love")). The peace He offers is not contingent on external circumstances or material prosperity but is an inner reality, a "peace that surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) that guards our hearts and minds in Him. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Christ removed the "hatred" of sin that separated humanity from God and from one another, reconciling us to God and enabling us to live in true love and peace with each other. Therefore, a life centered on Christ, even with humble means, is infinitely "better" than one filled with worldly riches but devoid of His transforming love and the profound peace He bestows. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making true love and peace possible for all who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 17:1

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

Proverbs 21:19

¶ [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Philippians 2:1

¶ If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Matthew 22:4

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and [my] fatlings [are] killed, and all things [are] ready: come unto the marriage.

1 John 4:16

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Psalms 133:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Psalms 133:3

As the dew of Hermon, [and as the dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, [even] life for evermore.