“A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels” ~King Solomon

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Banquet, King Solomon, Peace, Proverbs 17, Quarrel, Wine, Wise Sayings

Peace with God

There is something about enjoying a peaceful meal. It can be alone or with families and friends. I come away refreshed. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It just has to be peaceful, quite and free from arguments and quarrels.

A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels. | Proverbs 17:1 (The Message Bible)

It is easy to fall into the trap of materialism. All the best food. All the right people. Plenty of fine wine.

What comes with the fancy meal with all the right people?

Certainly not peace. Put the wrong people at the wrong table with too much food and wine and it can (will) turn into a disaster.

There are some people who just love to argue and quarrel. They are toxic. They should be avoided at all costs.

The Apostle Paul has more to say on this:

This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning. | Titus 3:8-10 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Here is more of the same in advice to Timothy. The trend is clear:

Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient. | 2 Timothy 2:22-24 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)