Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:1

Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 17:1

From A Moment of Hope by David and Marilynn Chadwick with Jenn Houston

April 20, 2026 · 5 min

About this episode

David Chadwick discusses the importance of avoiding strife and selfish ambition as highlighted in Proverbs 17:1.

by David Chadwick "Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife." Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry, crusty morsel of bread in a peaceful home than a house with delicious food and delicacies that is full of strife. Strife. Defined as "conflict or an angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues," strife ruins relationships. It hinders momentum and stops the Gospel from moving forward. Biblically, in James 3:16, strife is also called "selfish ambition." If pride is the root of all evil, I would argue strife is one of the most wicked fruits that comes from pride. In fact, Marilynn and I know of a pastor who has only one firing offense: causing strife. James 3:16 says, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." This verse should cause all of us to pause the next time we feel tempted to stir up a problem. Strife invites chaos, disorder, dissension, division, and dark, demonic activity. Strife is like an open door to the devil that says, "Come on in and do your dirty work in my life. You can destroy my family, my workspace, my friends, everything!" As followers of Jesus, we must resist strife and…

People in this episode

Host: David Chadwick

Topics covered

  • proverbs
  • strife
  • relationships
  • selfish ambition
  • spiritual growth

Keywords

  • strife
  • Proverbs
  • selfish ambition
  • relationships
  • spirituality

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Proverbs 17:1, James 3:16

More episodes of A Moment of Hope

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the A Moment of Hope podcast page.