King Solomon was asked what was the meaning of his saying

Midrash Aggadah Exempla of the Rabbis, No. 427

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 1, 2025

King Solomon was asked what was the meaning of his saying, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” (Prov. 15, 17.) He said when he was driven from his throne he was wandering about from house to house. One man recognised him, took him in and fed him with dainty food, but at every meal and on every occasion he used to say, “What a pity and what a sorrow,” and so he reminded him of his former greatness and present state of poverty and misery. Therefore he used to go away broken-hearted. Another man, very poor, also took him in, excused his meagre fare and comforted him and thus he felt happy with the dinner of herbs for love was there.

Themes

Kings Charity Solomon Humor Wit

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