Proverbs 25:24 Meaning and Explanation
“It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Living alone in a cramped space is preferable to sharing a spacious house with a quarrelsome spouse.
The Context of Proverbs 25:24
The value of peace over material comfort.
What Does Proverbs 25:24 Mean?
The corner of a housetop is a humble, exposed, uncomfortable place. Yet this verse suggests it is preferable to the alternative of living in a wide, comfortable house with someone who constantly quarrels and complains. Constant conflict poisons every space, no matter how large or fine. A peaceful hovel is better than a palace filled with strife.
This teaches that the quality of relationships matters more than material comfort. A home characterized by brawling offers no rest, no peace, no refuge. The lonely corner of a roof, for all its hardship, at least offers silence and relief. This reflects the understanding that emotional and relational peace is a genuine good that outweighs mere material security.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 25:24
What does Proverbs 25:24 mean?
Living alone in a cramped space is preferable to sharing a spacious house with a quarrelsome spouse.
What is the context of Proverbs 25:24?
The value of peace over material comfort.