Proverbs 25:24 kjv

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

Proverbs 25:24 nkjv

It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Proverbs 25:24 niv

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 25:24 esv

It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 25:24 nlt

It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic
than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

Proverbs 25 verses

Proverbs 25 24 Meaning

Proverbs 25:24 asserts that it is far preferable to endure the physical discomfort, lack of privacy, and exposure of living alone in a cramped, undesirable space like the corner of a housetop than to dwell in a spacious, comfortable home shared with a constantly quarreling, contentious woman. This proverb vividly illustrates that inner peace and tranquility are infinitely more valuable than material comforts or grand surroundings, particularly within the home. It highlights the profound negative impact of domestic discord on one's well-being.

Proverbs 25 24 Context

Proverbs 25 falls within a collection known as "the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (Prov 25:1). This implies a renewed interest in wisdom literature during Hezekiah's reign (8th century BC). The chapter gathers various sayings related to kings, self-control, friendship, communication, and social conduct. Proverbs 25:24 is one of several proverbs (compare 21:9, 21:19, 27:15) that specifically address the pervasive problem of a "brawling" or "contentious" woman within the home. These proverbs serve as practical wisdom for fostering harmonious living within society and especially within the fundamental unit of society—the family. The broader cultural context for ancient Israel valued peace (shalom) and order in the home as foundational for societal stability and well-being. A contentious household disrupted this essential order.

Proverbs 25 24 Word analysis

• better (טוֹב, tov): This word conveys a sense of preferred suitability or moral good. In proverbs, it frequently appears in comparative statements (e.g., "better is X than Y"), indicating a superior option not necessarily in terms of physical comfort or material gain, but in terms of well-being, wisdom, or ethical outcome. Here, it denotes a significant qualitative preference for inner peace over outer luxury.

• to dwell in a corner (שֶׁבֶת עַל-פִּנַּת, shevet 'al-pinnat):

  • shevet (שֶׁבֶת): To sit, dwell, remain. Implies residing or living in a place.
  • 'al-pinnat (עַל-פִּנַּת): "on the corner of." Pinna means "corner," often the extreme edge. It denotes a very small, constricted, and exposed space.

• of the housetop (גָּג, gag): Flat housetops were common in ancient Israelite architecture, used for sleeping in hot weather, social gatherings, drying grain, and other activities. Sleeping on the very corner would be highly exposed to elements (sun, wind, dew), lacking privacy, and physically uncomfortable. It symbolizes a place of extreme discomfort and deprivation.

• than with a brawling woman (מֵאֵשֶׁת מִדְיָנִים, me'eshet midyanim):

  • me'eshet (מֵאֵשֶׁת): "from a woman of," "with a woman of." Refers to a wife or woman.
  • midyanim (מִדְיָנִים): Plural form derived from midyan, meaning strife, contention, quarrel, or dispute. It implies an ongoing, habitual state of argument, clamor, and conflict, rather than a single disagreement. This kind of disposition pollutes the home environment with constant tension and negativity. The focus is on her character creating constant verbal and emotional conflict.

• and in a wide house (וּבְבֵית חָבֶר, u'veveit chaver):

  • u'veveit (וּבְבֵית): "and in a house of."
  • chaver (חָבֶר): Companion, associate, partner. While KJV translates it as "wide" (possibly implying a communal or spacious dwelling where such strife would be amplified), most modern scholarly interpretations understand chaver in its common biblical meaning of "companion" or "associate." Thus, "a house of companionship" or "a house shared with" the brawling woman. The implication is a comfortable or normal shared domestic setting that is made intolerable by her presence, despite its material advantages. The contrast is between the physical space (comfort, width) and the emotional state (strife).

• Group: "better to dwell...than...": This standard proverbial structure highlights a stark and often paradoxical contrast. It establishes an absolute preference where something conventionally undesirable is chosen over something conventionally desirable, specifically due to a hidden or overlooked factor – in this case, the pervasive presence of strife. This emphasizes the supreme value placed on peace and internal harmony.

• Group: "corner of the housetop" vs. "wide house": This phrase group sets up a deliberate spatial and comfort contrast. The "corner of the housetop" signifies extreme physical deprivation, discomfort, and exposure. The "wide house" (or "house of companionship") represents physical comfort, spaciousness, and perhaps social standing. The proverb dramatically overturns conventional value, asserting that the spiritual/emotional suffering inflicted by a contentious relationship far outweighs any physical benefit or comfort.

• Group: "brawling woman" and household peace: This core thematic contrast focuses on the destroyer of peace within the home. The "brawling woman" is not merely someone who argues occasionally but one whose disposition is defined by constant conflict, undermining the very foundation of marital and familial harmony. Her presence turns even a comfortable house into a miserable dwelling, making even extreme discomfort a preferable alternative to her unsettling influence.

Proverbs 25 24 Bonus section

This proverb's message extends beyond literal marital discord. It applies to any persistent source of contention or spiritual disquiet within one's immediate environment. For instance, a person might prefer a challenging job with a harmonious team over a high-paying, easy job riddled with office politics and strife. The emphasis on inner peace, often secured through painful separation from sources of chaos, resonates throughout biblical wisdom, highlighting that external circumstances are often secondary to the state of one's spirit and relationships. This proverb, like others about contentious people, underscores the immense importance of personal character and how it impacts the well-being of others and the home environment. It's a reminder that genuine wealth often lies in relationships marked by love, patience, and understanding, not simply in physical possessions.

Proverbs 25 24 Commentary

Proverbs 25:24 is a hyperbolic expression of the overwhelming misery that can be created by a contentious individual, particularly a wife, within the domestic sphere. The proverb employs a stark, almost absurd, comparison to emphasize its point: extreme physical hardship is preferable to living in constant emotional turmoil. The "corner of the housetop" represents the utmost degree of physical discomfort, exposure, and lack of privacy—a life reduced to its bare minimum. In contrast, the "wide house" or "house of companionship" suggests a comfortable and normal dwelling, potentially one that is spacious or designed for shared living.

The proverb teaches that peace (shalom) is a more valuable commodity than any material comfort or domestic luxury. A home, regardless of its size or furnishings, is ultimately defined by the relationships and atmosphere within its walls. When those relationships are marked by persistent contention and discord, the dwelling becomes a source of stress and misery, stripping away the very joy it should provide. The proverb serves as a powerful warning against character traits that erode peace and harmony, especially in marital and familial relationships. It subtly challenges the notion that material prosperity equates to happiness, instead asserting that true contentment lies in harmonious interpersonal dynamics. Practical examples include families choosing smaller, debt-free homes for peace of mind, or individuals leaving dysfunctional, conflict-ridden family environments for personal well-being.