Proverbs 15:6

KJV

¶ In the house of the righteous [is] much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the house {H1004} of the righteous {H6662} is much {H7227} treasure {H2633}: but in the revenues {H8393} of the wicked {H7563} is trouble {H5916}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The home of the righteous is a storehouse of treasure, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.

Berean Standard Bible

The house of the righteous has great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble.

American Standard Version

In the house of the righteous is much treasure; But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:6 profoundly contrasts the outcomes of righteous and wicked living, asserting that genuine prosperity and deep satisfaction characterize the household of those who walk in integrity, where true "treasure" abounds. Conversely, the gains acquired through unrighteous means by the wicked, though seemingly substantial, are inherently tainted by vexation, instability, and ultimately lead to distress and turmoil, demonstrating a fundamental principle of divine justice and moral order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:6 is situated within a broader section of the Book of Proverbs (chapters 10-29) that consists primarily of two-line antithetical proverbs, contrasting the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This particular verse immediately follows a proverb about the importance of wise speech and precedes verses that continue to highlight the contrasting paths and their consequences, such as the Lord's omnipresent gaze over both good and evil, and the destructive nature of a perverse tongue versus the healing power of a wholesome one ([Proverbs 15:3-4](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3-4 - The Lord's Eyes and the Healing Tongue")). It functions as a concise summary of a recurring theme: moral character dictates ultimate well-being, not merely outward appearances or material accumulation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "house" (Hebrew: *bayith*) was more than a dwelling; it represented the entire household, including family, servants, and all possessions. It was the fundamental unit of society, economic activity, and spiritual life. Wealth was often stored physically within the house or on the property (e.g., grain, oil, silver), making the concept of "treasure" within the house very literal. The "revenues" (*tᵉbûwʼâh*) of the wicked would typically refer to agricultural produce, commercial profits, or spoils gained through various means, often exploitative or unjust. The proverb speaks to a society where economic activity was closely tied to communal well-being and where moral conduct was believed to directly influence divine favor or disfavor upon one's livelihood and family.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. It underscores the theme of **Divine Retribution and Blessing**, illustrating how God's moral order ensures that righteousness leads to genuine blessing and stability, while wickedness, despite temporary gains, culminates in trouble. It also speaks to the **Nature of True Wealth**, challenging a purely materialistic view by suggesting that the "treasure" of the righteous encompasses more than just material possessions—it includes peace, security, and divine favor, aligning with the idea that [the blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord"). Furthermore, it reinforces the **Contrast Between Righteousness and Wickedness**, a central motif throughout the book, demonstrating that these two paths lead to diametrically opposed destinies, as seen in the broader wisdom literature where [a little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked](/psalms/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - A Little of the Righteous is Better").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word refers to more than just a physical dwelling; it encompasses the entire household, family, and all that belongs to it. In the context of the righteous, it signifies a stable, blessed domain where life flourishes.
* **treasure (Hebrew, _chôçen'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be strong" or "to hold fast," *chôçen* denotes wealth, riches, or strength. Here, it implies not just accumulated material goods but also inherent stability, security, and the enduring quality of the righteous person's well-being.
* **trouble (Hebrew, _ʻâkar'_):** This primitive root literally means "to roil water," and figuratively, "to disturb" or "to afflict." It conveys a sense of agitation, vexation, and calamity. When applied to the wicked's revenues, it signifies that their gains are accompanied by inner turmoil, external conflict, or divine judgment, lacking true peace or lasting satisfaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the house of the righteous is much treasure":** This clause paints a picture of abundance and security. The "house" represents the entire sphere of life for the righteous—their family, their possessions, their legacy, and their inner state. The "much treasure" suggests not only material sufficiency but also the invaluable spiritual and relational blessings that accompany a life lived in alignment with God's will: peace, contentment, strong relationships, and divine favor. This treasure is stable and enduring.
* **"but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble":** This clause presents a stark contrast. The "revenues" of the wicked refer to their income, gains, or profits, often acquired through unjust or exploitative means. Despite any apparent material success, these gains are inherently accompanied by "trouble." This trouble can manifest as internal anxiety, guilt, fear of loss, external conflict, legal disputes, or ultimately, divine judgment and ruin. The wealth of the wicked, therefore, lacks true peace and brings vexation rather than genuine prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 15:6 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This is a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, where two contrasting lines express opposing ideas, with the second line illuminating or intensifying the first by presenting its opposite. Here, the "house of the righteous" with "much treasure" is directly contrasted with the "revenues of the wicked" bringing "trouble." This stark juxtaposition emphasizes the divergent outcomes of moral choices. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metaphor** in the use of "treasure" and "trouble." "Treasure" for the righteous extends beyond mere gold and silver to encompass spiritual and relational richness, while "trouble" for the wicked is not just a temporary setback but an inherent quality of their ill-gotten gains. The proverb also employs **Synecdoche**, where "house" stands for the entire life and well-being of the righteous, and "revenues" for the entire economic activity and gains of the wicked.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 15:6 articulates a fundamental principle of divine justice and providence: God's moral order ensures that genuine well-being is intrinsically linked to righteousness, while wickedness, despite any superficial success, inevitably leads to turmoil. This is not a simplistic promise of material wealth for all righteous individuals, nor immediate poverty for all wicked, but rather a profound truth about the ultimate nature of prosperity and the inherent consequences of one's moral orientation. The "treasure" of the righteous encompasses peace, security, and the blessing of God, which are far more valuable and enduring than fleeting material gains. Conversely, the "trouble" of the wicked reveals that wealth acquired through unrighteousness is a source of vexation, instability, and ultimately, dissatisfaction, highlighting that true prosperity is not merely about accumulation but about the quality of one's life and the source of one's gains.

* [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord Makes Rich")
* [Psalm 37:16](/psalms/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - A Little of the Righteous is Better")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:6 serves as a powerful reminder that true prosperity is not merely measured by one's bank account or material possessions, but by the peace, security, and divine blessing found in a life lived with integrity and righteousness. It calls us to examine the sources of our "treasure" and "revenues." Are we pursuing gains through means that honor God, or are we tempted by shortcuts, dishonesty, or exploitation that might bring temporary profit but ultimately lead to internal and external turmoil? This verse encourages believers to prioritize character over cash, contentment over accumulation, and to trust that God's way of righteousness yields a lasting, satisfying "treasure" that the world cannot offer or take away. It challenges us to redefine success, focusing on a "house" built on godly principles, where peace and genuine wealth reside.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "much treasure" mean to me personally, beyond material possessions?**
* **In what ways might my "revenues" or gains, if not acquired righteously, lead to "trouble" in my life or relationships?**
* **How can I actively pursue righteousness in my financial and professional dealings, trusting God for true prosperity?**
* **Am I more concerned with the appearance of wealth or the reality of peace and contentment in my "house"?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that all righteous people will be materially rich and all wicked people will be poor?**

Answer: Not necessarily in a simplistic, one-to-one correlation. While Proverbs often speaks of general principles and tendencies, it's crucial to interpret this verse within the broader biblical narrative. The "treasure" of the righteous refers to a comprehensive well-being that includes, but is not limited to, material provision. It encompasses peace, security, contentment, strong relationships, and divine favor—blessings that are far more valuable and enduring than fleeting riches. Conversely, the "trouble" of the wicked highlights that even if they accumulate great wealth, it is often tainted by anxiety, conflict, guilt, or divine judgment, lacking true peace and stability. The Bible acknowledges that the wicked can prosper for a time ([Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")), but their prosperity is ultimately fleeting and brings vexation, while the righteous, even in scarcity, possess a deeper, more enduring "treasure" in God's blessing ([Psalm 37:16](/psalms/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - A Little of the Righteous is Better")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound redefinition in Jesus Christ. The "house of the righteous" with "much treasure" points forward to the spiritual abundance found in Christ, who is our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). In Him, believers are made righteous, and their "house"—their very lives and spiritual inheritance—is filled with an immeasurable "treasure" that transcends earthly wealth. This treasure includes the peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), the joy of salvation ([Psalm 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy")), and the eternal riches of God's grace ([Ephesians 2:7](/ephesians/2-7 "Ephesians 2:7 - Riches of His Grace")). Jesus taught His disciples to [lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"), where neither moth nor rust destroys, directly contrasting with the perishable nature of earthly "revenues." He Himself is the ultimate "treasure" hidden in a field, worth selling everything for ([Matthew 13:44](/matthew/13-44 "Matthew 13:44 - The Parable of the Hidden Treasure")). Conversely, the "revenues of the wicked" leading to "trouble" are fully exposed in the light of Christ. Those who pursue worldly gain apart from God experience an emptiness and turmoil that no amount of wealth can assuage, as Jesus warned that [a person's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Life Does Not Consist in Possessions"). In Christ, we find true peace, true prosperity, and the only lasting treasure, making Him the embodiment of the righteous path and the antidote to the trouble found in ungodly gain.

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 8:21

That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

Proverbs 21:20

¶ [There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

Proverbs 10:22

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

Psalms 112:3

Wealth and riches [shall be] in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Proverbs 16:8

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

Hebrews 11:26

Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Job 20:19

Because he hath oppressed [and] hath forsaken the poor; [because] he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not;