Psalms 37:16
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
Original Language Analysis
טוֹב
hath is better
H2896
טוֹב
hath is better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 6
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
מֵ֝הֲמ֗וֹן
than the riches
H1995
מֵ֝הֲמ֗וֹן
than the riches
Strong's:
H1995
Word #:
4 of 6
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
Cross References
Proverbs 16:8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.1 Timothy 6:6But godliness with contentment is great gain.Proverbs 13:25The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.Proverbs 3:33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.Proverbs 30:9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.Ecclesiastes 2:26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.Ecclesiastes 4:6Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.Matthew 6:11Give us this day our daily bread.
Historical Context
In agricultural economies, wealth disparities were pronounced. The righteous often lived simply while the wicked accumulated excess through exploitation, creating tension this verse addresses.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you measure 'enough' in a culture that constantly promotes more?
- What intangible riches accompany righteousness that money cannot buy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The contrast between 'little' and 'riches' establishes unexpected math: less with righteousness exceeds more with wickedness. This wisdom principle (Proverbs 15:16-17, 16:8) challenges materialism's calculus. The righteous person's 'little' includes peace, divine favor, and clean conscience—intangibles that outweigh gold. The wicked's 'riches' bring anxiety, guilt, and ultimate loss. 'Better than' statements throughout wisdom literature teach qualitative distinctions: contentment with sufficiency surpasses abundance with corruption.