Proverbs 15:17

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

Better is a portion of herbs when love is there, than a fattened calf when hatred is with it.

Latin

Melius est vocari ad olera cum caritate, quam ad vitulum saginatum cum odio.

Hebrew

English

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

This proverb highlights the value of love over wealth. A big meal, like steak, is nice, but love is more important.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 17:1
Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.
Proverbs 21:19
Better to live in the desert than with a contentious and ill-tempered wife.
Philippians 2:1
Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
Psalm 133:1–3
A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
Matthew 22:4
Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
1 John 4:16
And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him.