Question 1

What does “better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith” mean?

Accepted Answer

This picture compares a simple, dry piece of bread with a house full of rich food from sacrifices. The point is that a small meal eaten in peace is better than a rich feast filled with arguing and tension. It is saying that quiet love in a home is worth more than plenty of food and religious activity if everyone is fighting. God cares about the spirit in the house more than the size of the portions on the table.

Question 2

What does it mean that the Lord tries or tests the hearts?

Accepted Answer

When it says the Lord tests the hearts, it compares God to a refiner who heats silver or gold to remove what is bad. People can judge what they see on the outside, but God looks inside and knows our real motives and desires. Hard times and trials often show what is truly in us. This verse reminds us that God is not fooled by appearances, and that He uses life’s pressures to reveal and shape our hearts.

Question 3

How should we understand “a friend loveth at all times”?

Accepted Answer

“A friend loves at all times” means a true friend does not only show up in good days. Real friendship remains steady in joy and in trouble. The second line, “a brother is born for adversity,” shows that close bonds are proved in hard seasons. It is not about clinging to someone only when they help us, but being ready to stand with them when things are painful, costly, or confusing. This is the kind of loyal love held up as good here.

Question 4

What does “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine” teach?

Accepted Answer

This line says that a joyful, thankful heart has a good effect, like medicine on the body. It does not deny sorrow, but it shows that when God gives inner cheer and calm, it can lift our whole person. In contrast, a broken spirit is pictured as drying up the bones, weighing a person down. The verse encourages us to seek the kind of deep gladness that comes from God, wise living, and peace with others, not just surface fun.

Question 5

Why is mocking the poor called reproaching their Maker?

Accepted Answer

Mocking the poor means laughing at or looking down on those who have little. This verse says doing that insults their Maker, because God created them and cares for them. To treat the poor as less is to forget that God gave them life and worth. It also warns that anyone who takes joy in another person’s trouble will not escape judgment. So instead of scorn, we should show respect and kindness, remembering God sees how we treat the weak.

Question 6

What does this passage say about justice and bribery?

Accepted Answer

Several sayings warn against twisting justice. It is called an abomination to clear the guilty or to condemn the innocent, showing that God hates unfair courts and crooked decisions. A secret gift taken to bend a ruling is pictured as a bribe that spoils right judgment. These verses remind us that right and wrong do not change with money, rank, or gifts. God sees when people sell justice, and He counts that behavior as deeply offensive.

Question 7

How does this chapter describe the difference between wise and foolish people?

Accepted Answer

Wise people in this chapter listen to reproof, accept correction, use few words, and keep a calm spirit. They value peace over arguing, cover small faults to seek love, and keep their eyes on what is right in front of them. Fools resist correction even when punished hard, love fighting, talk too much, chase empty things, and often bring grief to their family. The sayings invite us to lean toward the path of wisdom, humility, and quiet self‑control.

Question 8

Why is the beginning of strife compared to letting out water?

Accepted Answer

The beginning of a quarrel is like making a small opening in a dam or wall that holds back water. At first it seems small, but once water starts pushing through, the break quickly grows and the flood is hard to stop. In the same way, a small argument can easily swell into a serious conflict if not checked early. The verse advises us to walk away from needless disputes before they grow, instead of feeding anger and pride.

Question 9

What does this chapter teach about speech and silence?

Accepted Answer

These sayings show that words have weight. Lying lips do not fit a leader, and those who listen to lies share in the evil. A twisted tongue leads into trouble. On the other hand, someone who has knowledge uses few words and keeps a gentle spirit. There is even a proverb that says a fool seems wise if he keeps quiet. Together, they urge us to think before we speak, avoid gossip and harsh words, and value careful, honest speech.

Question 10

How can the teaching of this passage apply to everyday life?

Accepted Answer

This passage touches many parts of daily life. At home, it urges us to prize peace over getting our own way. With friends and family, it calls us to forgive, not repeat old wrongs, and to be steady in hard times. In work and public life, it warns against bribery and unfair treatment of people, especially the poor. For our inner life, it reminds us that God sees our hearts and that a cheerful, trusting spirit brings strength, while rebellion and strife bring harm.

Proverbs 17:1

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

Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

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Proverbs 17:1

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

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Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

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