Proverbs 15:16
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Original Language Analysis
טוֹב
Better
H2896
טוֹב
Better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
בְּיִרְאַ֣ת
with the fear
H3374
בְּיִרְאַ֣ת
with the fear
Strong's:
H3374
Word #:
3 of 8
fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רָ֝֗ב
than great
H7227
רָ֝֗ב
than great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
6 of 8
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
Proverbs 16:8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.Psalms 37:16A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.1 Timothy 6:6But godliness with contentment is great gain.Proverbs 28:6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.Proverbs 10:22The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Historical Context
Solomon's vast wealth made this testimony especially credible. Having experienced both extremes, he could authoritatively declare godliness with little superior to godlessness with much.
Questions for Reflection
- How content are you with little when accompanied by God's presence?
- What troubles attend your pursuit of treasure that diminish your peace?
Analysis & Commentary
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with trouble. This comparative proverb establishes priority of spiritual riches over material wealth. Contentment with godliness surpasses anxious abundance, showing true prosperity is measured by covenant relationship, not possessions.