Proverbs 21:9 kjva — It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

King James Version with Apocrypha

"It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house."

— Proverbs 21:9, King James Version with Apocrypha

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Proverbs 21:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 21 — Context

6

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

7

The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

8

The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

9

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

10

The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

11

When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

12

The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

Proverbs 21:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 21:9 say?
Proverbs 21:9 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.”
Where is Proverbs 21:9 in the Bible?
Proverbs 21:9 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 21, verse 9.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 21:9.
What translation should I read Proverbs 21:9 in?
Proverbs 21:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 21:9?
Proverbs 21:9 reads (KJVA): “It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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