Lima Beans or Brussel Sprouts

(Proverbs 17:1 KJV)  Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

“Better” (2896a) is an English word that appears frequently in the Bible.  What came to my mind was the 11th chapter of Hebrews that talks about a better sacrifice and a better resurrection.  It is used 21 times in Proverbs.  Two things surprised me.  One is that the word “best” is less frequent and not used in Proverbs at all.  The second is that the word is used 21 times in Ecclesiastes. 

It is hard for us to get a handle on better.  Because we know Jesus who is the ultimate Best, we often think that we will have the best in all areas of our lives.  Usually our choices do not include the best.  Usually all we can hope for is the better choice.  Often we miss spiritual growth and fulfillment because we refuse to choose from the actual options we have.

So?  Your choices may not include the steak that came from the sacrifice.  You may be forced to chose between lima beans and Brussel sprouts.  Neither one is best in my world but I can decide which one would be better at the moment.  Do your best and trust for the rest.