Either/Or vs. Both/And in a Family Legacy

Proverbs 17
1. Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

We will come across many “better than” comparisons in the Book of Proverbs. This is the first one for us. These are often misinterpreted and we shall see how after we explain some of the ideas in this verse.

The reference to sacrifices is an allusion to the Jewish practice of offering part of the sacrifice at the Temple (or Tabernacle) but then taking a portion of it to be eaten at home.

“But if the sacrifice of his offering be a vow, or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice: and on the morrow also the remainder of it shall be eaten: “ (Leviticus 7:16)

“It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow: and if ought remain until the third day, it shall be burnt in the fire. “ (Leviticus 19:6)

Now poor people offered small sacrifices that they could afford, like turtle doves (yes, birds); but the rich would offer lambs, sheep, goats and cattle – always the best of the flock or herd. Obviously the rich would have a lot of prime meat to take home and eat, and they were expected to enjoy this, to feast upon this meat. It was not to be eaten in somberness. Now we can see that there are two things happening in this proverb. First, these people maintained an appearance of piety and spirituality – they went to church! Second, these people were wealthy – they feasted! Yet there was strife in the midst of that which should have been an advantage and blessing.

Here we start to see the intended “better than” contrast. It is basically saying, “It is better to be poor and good/happy than rich and bad/miserable.” Here is another proverb that is very similar.

“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” (Proverbs 15:16)

Now this should be obvious to everyone except those who are willing to sell their soul to get rich. Yet it is a trap into which many fall, even those who agree with this proverb.

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Timothy 6:9-11)

The trap and snare into which these people fall is that they lose sight of the “better than” proverb. That is why Paul emphasizes pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and meekness.

Now, how is this verse often misinterpreted? Many people can see that quietness is better than strife, but because of the way these are paired, they also conclude that having a little is better than having a lot (poverty is more blessed than riches). But if that is the case then why does Wisdom extol the possession of fine material things as one of her virtues?

“Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.” (Proverbs 3:16)

“Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. . . That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.” (Proverbs 8:18,21)

So here we can create a hierarchy of value combinations.

Best........good/happy and riches
Better.....good/happy and poverty
Bad........bad/miserable and riches
Worst.....bad/miserable and poverty

Now most people, in describing the life they desire, would say yes to the top and no to the bottom choices. But many people, when they look at the middle two choices start to reason, “If I can get riches by just a little bit of wrong-doing, then I will straighten up and be righteous and rich after that.” It is exactly that kind of thinking that this proverb is warning against.

So, in building your Family Legacy don’t be afraid of becoming rich, even expect it, just determine that you will do well by doing good.

“The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:22)