Ч-29

ИЗБИРАТЬ/ИЗБРАТЬ БЛАГУЮ ЧАСТЬ obs, lit VP subj: human ( usu. said sarcastically of a person who chooses the safest, most convenient etc option) to choose the best alternative

X избрал благую часть X chose the better part.

...Я сказал ему, что мне ужасно нравится его морская жизнь, что он из всех эмигрантов избрал благую часть (Герцен 2). .. .1 told him how immensely I liked his seafaring life, and that of all the exiles he was the one who had chosen the better part (2a).

From the Biblical account of Christ's visit to Mary and Martha's home. While Martha was busy serving, Mary chose "that good part" and listened to Christ's words (Luke 10:38-42).