“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.”
This is not saying a house full of feasting can’t be a great thing. We love holidays around the house with family and friends. After a few days of that I admit my introvert side looks forward to a little quiet and a simple sandwich. The point here is that strife is a burden. It’s a challenge for relationships, peace of heart and mind and can even case physical issues. God speaks very highly of peacemakers. You probably know exactly who that person is in your crowd, it may even be you. It should be. We also don’t want to miss the point Solomon so often makes that even with little wealth and possessions there are simple blessings in life to enjoy. Often a person is so consumed by the thoughts of growing their net worth that they race past good old fashion “porch time”. As a little boy I remember my grandparents and aunts and uncles, all of very modest means, hanging out on their old houses porch. They sat on steps, rockers, folding chairs and told stories, laughed, discussed the politics of the day (without fighting) and loved every minute of it late into the night. I know this young guy did. Today grab the simple things and thank God for them.
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV