Proverbs 15:17 kjv

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

Proverbs 15:17 nkjv

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, Than a fatted calf with hatred.

Proverbs 15:17 niv

Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

Proverbs 15:17 esv

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.

Proverbs 15:17 nlt

A bowl of vegetables with someone you love
is better than steak with someone you hate.

Proverbs 15 verses

Proverbs 15 17 Meaning

Proverbs 15:17 profoundly communicates that the true value of life's provisions lies not in their abundance or luxury, but in the atmosphere of love, peace, and good relationships that accompanies them. A simple, humble meal shared with affection surpasses the most lavish feast marred by animosity and conflict. It emphasizes that relational harmony is more precious than material wealth.

Proverbs 15 17 Context

Proverbs 15, situated within the "Solomonic Collection," provides a series of insightful maxims contrasting wisdom with folly, righteousness with wickedness. Many verses focus on the power of speech (v. 1-4, 28) and the discerning of the heart (v. 8-11, 26). The chapter repeatedly emphasizes that the Lord knows all things and judges the heart. Verse 17 directly follows a warning about the wicked’s sacrifice being an abomination (v. 8) and a contrast between paths leading to life or death (v. 10-12), and the state of the heart influencing life’s experience (v. 13-16). It builds on the idea that external display or ritual is secondary to the internal condition and right relationship, reinforcing the theme that true prosperity is found in the inner spirit, particularly peace and love, rather than mere material abundance. This resonates with the broader biblical message that genuine well-being (Shalom) is holistic, encompassing harmonious relationships with God and fellow humans. Culturally, large feasts with "fatted oxen" were indicators of wealth and celebration, often for status or alliances. The "dinner of herbs" symbolized the common, frugal meal of the average person, sometimes the poor. The proverb juxtaposes these scenarios to highlight an essential spiritual and relational truth above social status or wealth.

Proverbs 15 17 Word analysis

• Better (טוֹב - tov): Hebrew for "good" or "better." Here, it expresses a strong preference, indicating that the first scenario (dinner of herbs with love) is inherently superior, more desirable, and yields a greater, more fulfilling outcome than the second (fatted ox with hatred). It denotes a qualitative assessment, not just a quantitative one.
• is a dinner (אֲרֻחַת - aruchat): Refers to a portion or a meal. It implies a daily or regular provision, not necessarily a grand occasion.
• of herbs (יָרָק - yaraq): Literally "vegetables" or "greens." This signifies a simple, unadorned, inexpensive, and basic meal, accessible to anyone, especially the poor. It represents frugality and modesty.
• where love (וְאַהֲבָה - v'ahavah): Hebrew for "love" (from the root אהב - ahav). This is the key positive qualifier. It refers to deep affection, loyalty, and benevolent regard—a warm, respectful, and joyful relationship. In a biblical sense, it often encompasses active concern for the well-being of others and faithfulness.
• is (שָׁם - sham): Hebrew for "there" or "in that place." It indicates the presence, atmosphere, and prevailing condition of love within that humble setting. The quality of the relationship pervades the environment.
• than a fatted ox (מִשּׁוֹר אָבוּס - mishor avus):
  • Ox (שׁוֹר - shor): A male bovine, an expensive animal.
  • Fatted (אָבוּס - avus): Literally "stalled" or "fattened." An animal that has been specially prepared and well-fed for slaughter, indicative of a large, extravagant, celebratory feast, symbolizing luxury, wealth, and abundance. Such a meal was reserved for special occasions or the wealthy.
• with hatred (וְשִׂנְאָה בּוֹ - v'sin'ah bo):
  • Hatred (שִׂנְאָה - sin'ah): The direct antithesis of "love." It means animosity, strong aversion, enmity, hostility, or malice. It implies tension, conflict, resentment, and a lack of peace.
  • in it (בּוֹ - bo): Similar to sham, indicating the pervasive presence of hatred within the setting of the opulent meal. The very act of sharing food becomes contaminated by animosity.

Words-group analysis:

• "A dinner of herbs where love is": This phrase encapsulates humility, simplicity, and purity in relationships. It highlights that the spiritual and emotional richness derived from love ennobles even the most basic physical sustenance, making it profoundly satisfying. The focus is on the quality of relational presence.
• "than a fatted ox with hatred": This contrasting phrase embodies material extravagance combined with relational brokenness. The physical abundance, no matter how great or costly, is poisoned and rendered bitter by the presence of animosity. The emphasis here is on how external luxury cannot compensate for internal disharmony.
• The comparison between "herbs" and a "fatted ox" accentuates the vast material difference, making the moral conclusion (love over hatred) even more striking. The core message is that relational health is non-negotiable and outweighs any material advantage.

Proverbs 15 17 Bonus section

• This proverb beautifully illustrates a core theme across biblical wisdom literature: true well-being (shalom) is intrinsically linked to righteousness and harmonious relationships, not merely to economic prosperity or physical comfort.
• The concept of a "fatted ox" would have immediately signified a celebratory offering or a display of significant wealth. By pairing it with hatred, the proverb subtly condemns the pursuit of status or abundance without an accompanying focus on the heart's condition. It might even echo the prophetic critique of empty religious ritual (like sacrifices) when the heart is far from God and filled with injustice or strife towards fellow humans.
• New Testament teaching strongly aligns with this proverb's emphasis, particularly Paul's declarations on the supremacy of agape love (e.g., 1 Corinthians 13) which he presents as the indispensable quality for Christian living and the highest virtue. Jesus himself highlighted that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love one's neighbor, summarizing the Law and the Prophets.
• The proverb suggests that the physical enjoyment of food, a basic human need and pleasure, is diminished or even corrupted when shared in a relational environment tainted by discord. It speaks to the holistic nature of human experience where spiritual and relational health significantly impact physical and emotional well-being.

Proverbs 15 17 Commentary

Proverbs 15:17 serves as a profound proverb that prioritizes the internal over the external, relational harmony over material affluence. It teaches that true contentment and happiness are derived not from what one consumes or possesses, but from the quality of human relationships, particularly those imbued with genuine love and mutual respect. The contrast is stark and intentional: a simple vegetarian meal, associated with the humble, when eaten in an atmosphere of love, provides deeper satisfaction and peace than an extravagant meat feast prepared in a climate of hostility or bitter contention. The wisdom imparted is that hatred and animosity spoil every enjoyment, rendering even the greatest earthly luxury worthless and even burdensome. This verse champions the value of peace and affection in one's home and interactions, revealing them as the ultimate ingredients for a joyful and blessed life. It calls for prioritizing love, peace, and healthy relationships above the pursuit of wealth, status, or lavish living, recognizing that these spiritual assets are the true wealth that nurtures the soul and brings enduring joy. Practically, it encourages fostering love, patience, and understanding in families and communities, as these relational foundations make any circumstance bearable and even delightful.