Proverbs 15:16

KJV

¶ Better [is] little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

KJV (with Strong's)

Better {H2896} is little {H4592} with the fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} than great {H7227} treasure {H214} and trouble {H4103} therewith.

Complete Jewish Bible

Better little with the fear of ADONAI than great wealth coupled with worry.

Berean Standard Bible

Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.

American Standard Version

Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:16 presents a profound antithesis, asserting that a modest life lived in reverent awe of God is inherently superior to vast material wealth accompanied by inner turmoil or external conflict. It underscores a core biblical principle: true value and lasting peace are found not in accumulated riches, but in a right relationship with the Divine, which brings contentment and spiritual security regardless of one's material possessions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:16 is situated within a larger collection of wisdom sayings, primarily antithetical couplets, that contrast the paths, characteristics, and outcomes of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This particular verse exemplifies the book's consistent elevation of spiritual and moral virtues over material gain. It immediately follows verses that discuss the power of words (Proverbs 15:1-4), the value of instruction (Proverbs 15:5), and the nature of offerings (Proverbs 15:8), all contributing to the overarching theme of how one's inner disposition and relationship with God shape their outward life and ultimate well-being. The verse functions as a concise, memorable distillation of a concept frequently revisited in Proverbs: that true prosperity is not merely economic.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel, like many ancient Near Eastern societies, valued wealth as a sign of blessing and status. However, the wisdom tradition, particularly in Proverbs, consistently challenged the notion that material prosperity alone guaranteed a good life or divine favor. While wealth could be a blessing, it was also recognized as a potential source of temptation, injustice, and anxiety. The "fear of the LORD" (yir'at Yahweh) was a foundational concept in Israelite theology, signifying not terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to God's covenant commands. This reverence was understood as the "beginning of wisdom" and the source of true life and stability, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and often problematic nature of worldly riches. The cultural backdrop thus highlights a tension between common societal values and the distinct, God-centered values promoted by Israel's covenant faith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it champions **the superiority of spiritual well-being over material wealth**, a recurring motif that finds its echo in passages like [Proverbs 16:8](/proverbs/16-8 "Proverbs 16:8 - Better a little with righteousness"). Secondly, it defines and emphasizes **the nature and value of the "fear of the LORD,"** portraying it as the ultimate source of wisdom, peace, and security, as also seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom"). Thirdly, it exposes **the inherent burden and potential dangers of excessive or ill-gotten wealth**, suggesting that "great treasure" can often bring "trouble" – a concept that resonates with the warnings against greed and the pursuit of riches found elsewhere in the book (e.g., [Proverbs 28:22](/proverbs/28-22 "Proverbs 28:22 - The Envious Man Hastens to Riches")). Finally, it implicitly promotes **contentment and simplicity**, aligning with a broader biblical perspective that encourages a focus on eternal values rather than temporal possessions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word, derived from H2896, signifies "good" in its widest sense, encompassing beauty, favor, pleasantness, and prosperity. In this context, it functions as a comparative, indicating a qualitative superiority. It suggests that "little with the fear of the LORD" is not merely acceptable, but is intrinsically and fundamentally more desirable and beneficial than the alternative, possessing a higher degree of goodness and positive outcome.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** From H3374, this term denotes fear, but more profoundly, reverence, awe, and respectful submission. When applied to the LORD (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh, the self-Existent or Eternal God), it describes a posture of humility, obedience, and devotion that acknowledges God's sovereignty and holiness. It is not a cowering terror, but a profound respect that leads to righteous living and wisdom, forming the foundation of a right relationship with God.
* **Trouble (Hebrew, _mᵉhûwmâh'_):** Derived from H4103, this word carries strong connotations of confusion, uproar, tumult, discomfiture, and vexation. It implies a deep disquiet, disorder, or even destruction that can accompany wealth. This "trouble" is not just inconvenience but a significant internal or external turmoil—anxiety, strife, moral compromise, or the chaos that often arises from the pursuit or possession of vast riches outside of God's blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Better is little with the fear of the LORD":** This clause establishes the first half of the antithesis, presenting a life characterized by modesty in material possessions ("little") but rich in spiritual devotion ("with the fear of the LORD"). The "fear of the LORD" is the defining and elevating factor, transforming what might otherwise seem meager into something profoundly superior. It implies peace, contentment, integrity, and divine favor.
* **"than great treasure and trouble therewith":** This second clause offers the contrasting scenario: abundant material wealth ("great treasure") that is, critically, accompanied by "trouble." The conjunction "and" links the treasure directly to the trouble, suggesting a causal relationship or an inherent consequence. This "trouble" negates the perceived benefits of the "great treasure," rendering it inferior to the simplicity found in godliness.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 15:16 primarily employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device presents two contrasting ideas or statements, where the second line is the opposite of the first, to highlight a truth. Here, "little with the fear of the LORD" is directly contrasted with "great treasure and trouble therewith," emphasizing the qualitative difference between a life centered on God and one focused on material accumulation. The verse also uses **Juxtaposition** to place these two opposing scenarios side-by-side, forcing the reader to weigh their respective values. The implicit **Hyperbole** in "great treasure" serves to underscore that even immense worldly wealth cannot outweigh the spiritual blessings of fearing God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb articulates a fundamental theological truth: true human flourishing is not measured by material abundance but by one's relationship with God. It challenges the common human tendency to equate prosperity with wealth, asserting that a life of spiritual devotion, even with limited resources, yields a deeper and more abiding peace than a life of opulence burdened by anxiety or moral compromise. The "fear of the LORD" is presented as the supreme good, the wellspring of wisdom and contentment that transcends earthly possessions. This concept aligns with the broader biblical narrative that consistently prioritizes spiritual realities and righteousness over fleeting worldly gains, reminding us that God's blessing is not merely financial but encompasses holistic well-being.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [1 Timothy 6:6](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6 - Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Life Does Not Consist in Possessions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:16 serves as a timeless challenge to our modern priorities, which often equate success and happiness with financial accumulation. It calls us to re-evaluate our pursuits and recognize that genuine peace and contentment stem from a right relationship with God, not from the size of our bank accounts or the lavishness of our possessions. This verse encourages a radical shift in perspective: to prioritize spiritual richness over material wealth, to cultivate a deep reverence for God that informs every decision, and to embrace a spirit of contentment regardless of our external circumstances. It warns against the deceptive allure of "great treasure," reminding us that the pursuit of more can often lead to less—less peace, less joy, less integrity. Ultimately, it invites us to find our security and satisfaction in the unchanging character of God, understanding that true abundance is found in His presence and His provision, not in the fleeting promises of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the pursuit of "great treasure" introduce "trouble" into my own life or the lives of those around me?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a prioritization of "the fear of the LORD" over material gain?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater contentment with "little" and deepen my reverence for God?**
* **How might this proverb challenge contemporary cultural definitions of success and prosperity?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fear of the LORD" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "the fear of the LORD" (Hebrew: _yirʼâh Yᵉhôvâh_) does not mean being terrified of God. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, respect, and obedient submission to God. It is a recognition of His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and power, which leads to a humble and obedient life. This "fear" is the starting point of wisdom and the foundation for a life of integrity, peace, and spiritual flourishing, as highlighted in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom"). It's a healthy, worshipful fear that motivates one to live in accordance with God's will.

**What kind of "trouble" is associated with "great treasure"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "trouble" here is _mᵉhûwmâh_, which implies confusion, uproar, tumult, discomfiture, or vexation. This "trouble" can manifest in various ways: the anxiety of acquiring and maintaining wealth, the moral compromises often made in its pursuit, the strife and conflict it can cause in relationships, the spiritual emptiness that can accompany a life focused solely on material gain, or even the destructive consequences of ill-gotten riches. It suggests that wealth, apart from God's blessing and a righteous heart, often brings a deep disquiet rather than true peace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus consistently taught that true life and lasting treasure are not found in earthly possessions but in spiritual realities and a relationship with God. He warned against the deceitfulness of riches, stating that "you cannot serve God and money" in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - You Cannot Serve God and Money"). Instead, He urged His followers to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:20](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Treasures in Heaven")). Jesus Himself embodied the principle of "little with the fear of the LORD," living a life of humility and dependence on the Father, devoid of worldly wealth, yet offering the greatest spiritual riches to humanity. His kingdom values radically redefine prosperity, emphasizing righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ provides the means for humanity to truly "fear the LORD"—to enter into a reverent, obedient, and loving relationship with God—which is the source of all true blessing and the only path to escape the "trouble" that inevitably accompanies a life devoted to transient earthly treasures. He is the ultimate "better" that makes all other pursuits pale in comparison, offering a peace that "transcends all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 16:8

¶ Better [is] a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

Psalms 37:16

A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked.

Ecclesiastes 5:10

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this [is] also vanity.

Ecclesiastes 5:12

The sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

1 Timothy 6:6

¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Proverbs 28:6

¶ Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich.

Proverbs 10:22

¶ The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.