What is the meaning of Proverbs 15:17? Better a dish of vegetables - The proverb starts by picturing the simplest of meals—“a dish of vegetables.” In Solomon’s day this was the fare of the poor, a reminder that modest provisions are no shame in God’s sight. - Contentment with little is repeatedly praised in Scripture: “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil” (Proverbs 15:16). Paul echoes the same spirit: “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:8). - The emphasis is not on the menu but on the heart that receives it. A plate of greens becomes a feast when shared in righteousness and peace (Romans 14:17). Where there is love - Love is the ingredient that transforms scarcity into abundance. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). - In a loving household, even humble fare communicates honor, unity, and mutual care. “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). - Love marks true discipleship (John 13:35) and gives value to every sacrifice (1 Corinthians 13:3). Without it, the best food is tasteless in God’s economy. Than a fattened ox - A “fattened ox” points to lavish celebration—prime meat reserved for wealthy feasts (cf. Luke 15:23). The verse does not condemn abundance itself; Scripture recognizes God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). - The warning is about misplaced confidence in luxury. Jesus cautions, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). - Material plenty, when isolated from godly relationships, cannot satisfy the soul (Ecclesiastes 5:10). With hatred - Hatred sours the richest table. Strife, bitterness, and resentment make fellowship impossible. “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). - Proverbs repeats the lesson: “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife” (Proverbs 17:1). - Hatred not only ruins appetite; it alienates us from God, for “whoever hates his brother is in the darkness” (1 John 2:11). Relational breakdown is a far greater loss than any economic scarcity. summary Proverbs 15:17 elevates love above luxury, fellowship above food. A simple meal shared in genuine affection pleases God more than an extravagant banquet marred by hostility. The verse trains our hearts to prize relationships rooted in love, knowing that peace at the table is richer than any portion size. |
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