Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
It's better to have a simple meal of vegetables where there is love, than to have a fancy feast of beef where there is hatred.
This verse is saying that sharing even the simplest meal with people who love you is far better than eating expensive food with people who hate you.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, during the time of King Solomon, proverbs were used to impart practical wisdom for everyday life, drawing from the cultural emphasis on moral and relational values. A "dinner of herbs" referred to a simple, plant-based meal typical of humble households, while a "stalled ox" represented a lavish feast associated with wealth and prosperity. This verse highlights the biblical priority of love and harmony over material abundance in a society where family dynamics and hospitality were central to daily interactions.
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