Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Better to liveThe phrase "Better to live" suggests a comparison of life choices, emphasizing the importance of peace and contentment over material comfort. The Hebrew word for "better" (טוֹב, tov) often conveys goodness, welfare, or happiness. This implies that a life of simplicity and solitude can be more fulfilling than one filled with strife, even if it means sacrificing certain comforts. The wisdom literature of the Bible frequently contrasts the value of inner peace with external circumstances, urging believers to prioritize spiritual well-being. on a corner of the roof
In ancient Israelite architecture, roofs were flat and often used as additional living space. The "corner of the roof" symbolizes a place of isolation and minimalism. The Hebrew word for "corner" (פִּנָּה, pinnah) can also mean a chief or principal place, suggesting that even a small, humble spot can be preferable if it offers peace. This imagery highlights the value of solitude and the avoidance of conflict, even if it means living in less than ideal conditions. Historically, the roof was a place of retreat and reflection, reinforcing the idea that sometimes stepping away from conflict is the wisest choice. than to share a house
The phrase "than to share a house" underscores the communal aspect of living, which can be a source of joy or tension. The Hebrew word for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) not only refers to a physical structure but also to a household or family. This suggests that the dynamics within a home are crucial to one's quality of life. The Bible often uses the concept of a house to represent one's life or legacy, indicating that the relationships within it are of utmost importance. The comparison here is not about the physical space but the relational atmosphere. with a quarrelsome wife
The term "quarrelsome wife" refers to a contentious or argumentative partner. The Hebrew word for "quarrelsome" (מִדְיָנִים, midyanim) is related to strife or discord. This highlights the destructive nature of constant conflict within a marriage, which can erode the foundation of a household. In the biblical context, a wife is often seen as a partner and helper, and discord disrupts this divine design. The verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of harmony and understanding in relationships, urging believers to seek peace and reconciliation in their homes. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights often reflect practical life experiences and divine wisdom. 2. The Quarrelsome WifeRepresents a contentious or argumentative person within a household. In the cultural context, the wife is often seen as a central figure in maintaining household harmony. 3. The Corner of the RoofIn ancient Israelite architecture, roofs were flat and often used as additional living space. The "corner of the roof" symbolizes a place of isolation and discomfort, yet preferable to a contentious environment. Teaching Points The Value of Peaceful RelationshipsThe verse highlights the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in the home. A peaceful environment is more valuable than material comfort. The Impact of ContentiousnessConstant arguing and strife can lead to isolation and discomfort, even in one's own home. It is crucial to address and resolve conflicts constructively. Wisdom in Choosing RelationshipsThis proverb serves as a cautionary note on the importance of choosing a spouse wisely, considering character and temperament. The Role of CommunicationEffective communication and conflict resolution are essential in preventing quarrels and maintaining a harmonious household. Spiritual Growth through RelationshipsRelationships, especially marriage, can be a means of spiritual growth, teaching patience, love, and understanding. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of living on a corner of the roof help us understand the impact of a quarrelsome environment? 2. In what ways can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 21:9 to our own relationships, whether marital or otherwise? 3. How do other scriptures, such as Ephesians 5:22-33, provide a framework for addressing the issues highlighted in Proverbs 21:9? 4. What practical steps can we take to foster a peaceful and harmonious home environment? 5. How can we use the wisdom of Proverbs to guide us in choosing and nurturing relationships that honor God? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 25:24This verse echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 21:9, emphasizing the discomfort of living with a contentious person. Proverbs 19:13Discusses the impact of a quarrelsome wife on a household, likening it to a constant dripping. Ephesians 5:22-33Provides guidance on marital relationships, emphasizing love and respect between spouses, which contrasts with the contentiousness described in Proverbs 21:9. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Angle, Better, Bitter-tongued, Brawling, Common, Company, Contentions, Contentious, Corner, Dwell, Housetop, House-top, Quarrelsome, Roof, Share, Shared, Sit, Wide, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 21:9 5004 human race, and sin
5340 house
5478 property, houses
5506 roof
5550 speech, negative
5834 disagreement
5924 quarrelsomeness Library Definition of Actual Grace
1. GENERAL NOTION OF GRACE.--The best way to arrive at a correct definition of actual grace is by the synthetic method. We therefore begin with the general notion of grace. Like "nature,"(3) grace (gratia, {GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is a word of wide reach, used in a great variety of senses. Habert(4) enumerates no less than fourteen; which, however, may be reduced to four. a) Subjectively, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and HabitualEpistle xxi. To Constantina Augusta .
To Constantina Augusta [1593] . Gregory to Constantina, &c. Almighty God, who holds in His right hand the heart of your Piety, both protects us through you and prepares for you rewards of eternal remuneration for temporal deeds. For I have learnt from the letters of the deacon Sabinianus my responsalis with what justice your Serenity is interested in the cause of the blessed Prince of the apostles Peter against certain persons who are proudly humble and feignedly kind. And I trust in the bounty …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Epistle Cvi. To Syagrius, Ætherius, virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops .
To Syagrius, Ætherius, Virgilius, and Desiderius, Bishops [65] . Gregory to Syagrius of Augustodunum (Autun), Etherius of Lugdunum (Lyons), Virgilius of Aretale (Arles), and Desiderius of Vienna (Vienne), bishops of Gaul. A paribus. Our Head, which is Christ, has to this end willed us to be His members, that through the bond of charity and faith He might make us one body in Himself. And to Him it befits us so to adhere in heart, that, since without Him we can be nothing, through Him we may …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great How the Slothful and the Hasty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 16.) Differently to be admonished are the slothful and the hasty. For the former are to be persuaded not to lose, by putting it off, the good they have to do; but the latter are to be admonished lest, while they forestall the time of good deeds by inconsiderate haste, they change their meritorious character. To the slothful therefore it is to be intimated, that often, when we will not do at the right time what we can, before long, when we will, we cannot. For the very indolence of …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy. Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 21:9 NIVProverbs 21:9 NLTProverbs 21:9 ESVProverbs 21:9 NASBProverbs 21:9 KJV
Proverbs 21:9 Commentaries
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