TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 15:6.
Note, 1. Where righteousness is riches are, and the comforts of them: In the house of the righteous is much treasure. Religion teaches men to be diligent, temperate, and just, and by these means, ordinarily, the estate is increased. But that is not all: God blesses the habitation of the just, and that blessing makes rich without trouble. Or, if there be not much of this world's goods, yet where there is grace there is true treasure; and those who have but little, if they have a heart to be therewith content, and to enjoy the comfort of that little, it is enough; it is all riches. The righteous perhaps are not themselves enriched, but there is treasure in their house, a blessing in store, which their children after them may reap the benefit of. A wicked worldly man is only for having his belly filled with those treasures, his own sensual appetite gratified (Psa 17:14); but a righteous man's first care is for his soul and then for his seed, to have treasure in his heart and then in his house, which his relations and those about him may have the benefit of. 2. Where wickedness is, though there may be riches, yet there is vexation of spirit with them: In the revenues of the wicked, the great incomes they have, there is trouble; for there is guilt and a curse; there is pride and passion, and envy and contention; and those are troublesome lusts, which rob them of the joy of their revenues and make them troublesome to their neighbours.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
The house of the righteous contains great treasure, etc. The house of Christ, that is, the Church, has great strength; so that rain, winds, and rivers of frequent temptations cannot demolish it. And in the works of the devil there is continuous turmoil, because he attempts to overthrow the same house of Christ through false brothers or open adversaries.
Continue studying Proverbs 15:6 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Proverbs 15:6 presents a profound antithesis, asserting that the household of the righteous is characterized by an abundance of genuine treasure—encompassing peace, security, and divine favor—while the gains of the wicked, though seemingly prosperous, are inherently tainted by vexation, instability, and ultimate turmoil. This proverb encapsulates a fundamental principle of divine justice, illustrating that true well-being and lasting satisfaction are inextricably linked to moral integrity and a life lived in alignment with God's wisdom.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 15:6 is nestled within a larger collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 10-29) that predominantly utilize antithetical parallelism to contrast the ways and outcomes of the wise and foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This specific verse immediately follows a series of proverbs emphasizing the power and consequence of speech (e.g., Proverbs 15:2), and it precedes further contrasts concerning divine observation and the nature of prayer and sacrifice (Proverbs 15:3 and Proverbs 15:8). It serves as a concise, yet potent, declaration of the ultimate disparity in life quality between those who adhere to God's ways and those who do not, reinforcing the book's overarching message that moral character, not material accumulation alone, determines true prosperity and peace.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite society, the "house" (Hebrew: bayith) was far more than a physical dwelling; it represented the foundational unit of society, encompassing the extended family, servants, property, and all accumulated wealth. Economic activity, social standing, and spiritual life were centered within this household. "Treasure" would have been literally stored within the home, including grain, oil, precious metals, and other valuables, making the concept of "much treasure" within the house a tangible reality. The "revenues" (tᵉbûwʼâh) of the wicked would refer to their income, often derived from agricultural yields, commercial ventures, or even illicit gains. The proverb speaks to a cultural understanding where prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine blessing, and misfortune as a consequence of sin. It challenges a superficial view of wealth, suggesting that the source and nature of one's gains are paramount, and that ill-gotten wealth inevitably carries a spiritual and practical cost.
Key Themes
This proverb powerfully contributes to several pervasive themes in the Book of Proverbs. It highlights the theme of Divine Retribution and Blessing, demonstrating God's moral order wherein righteousness leads to genuine, stable blessing, while wickedness, despite any apparent temporary success, ultimately results in turmoil and instability. It also profoundly addresses the Nature of True Wealth, challenging a purely materialistic definition by asserting that the "treasure" of the righteous encompasses peace, security, contentment, and divine favor, aligning with the wisdom found in Proverbs 10:22, which states that "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." Furthermore, it reinforces the central motif of the Contrast Between Righteousness and Wickedness, a recurring dichotomy throughout the wisdom literature, emphasizing that these two paths lead to diametrically opposed destinies, echoing sentiments like those in Psalm 37:16.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from a root suggesting "to build," bayith extends beyond a mere physical structure to represent the entire household, family, lineage, and all possessions associated with it. In this context, it signifies the stable, flourishing domain and legacy of the righteous, where life, relationships, and resources are established and secure.
This word, stemming from a root meaning "to be strong" or "to hold fast," denotes wealth, riches, or strength. Here, chôçen implies not only accumulated material goods but also an inherent stability, security, and the enduring quality of the righteous person's well-being. It suggests a secure, unassailable form of prosperity, both material and spiritual.
As a primitive root, ʻâkar 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 inherently accompanied by inner turmoil, external conflict, or divine judgment, lacking true peace or lasting satisfaction. It points to a deep-seated disquiet that undermines any apparent success.
Verse Breakdown
"In the house of the righteous is much treasure"
This clause paints a vivid picture of abundance, stability, and security. The "house" of the righteous represents their entire sphere of existence—their family, their possessions, their reputation, and their inner state. The "much treasure" suggests not only material sufficiency and blessing but also the invaluable spiritual and relational riches that accompany a life lived in integrity and obedience to God's will: peace, contentment, strong relationships, and divine favor. This treasure is depicted as stable, enduring, and truly satisfying.
"but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble"
This clause presents a stark and sobering contrast. The "revenues" of the wicked refer to their income, gains, or profits, which are often acquired through unjust, dishonest, or exploitative means. Despite any outward appearance of prosperity or material success, these gains are inherently accompanied by "trouble." This trouble can manifest as internal anxiety, guilt, fear of loss, external conflict, legal disputes, divine judgment, or ultimately, a profound lack of peace and lasting satisfaction, revealing the emptiness and instability of unrighteous gain.
Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Proverbs 15:6 is Antithetical Parallelism. This foundational structure of Hebrew wisdom literature employs two contrasting lines to express opposing ideas, with the second line illuminating or intensifying the first by presenting its direct opposite. Here, the "house of the righteous" with its "much treasure" is starkly juxtaposed against the "revenues of the wicked" bringing "trouble," powerfully emphasizing the divergent outcomes of moral choices. Additionally, the proverb utilizes Metaphor in its use of "treasure" and "trouble." "Treasure" for the righteous extends beyond mere material wealth to encompass spiritual and relational richness, while "trouble" for the wicked is not merely a temporary setback but an inherent quality of their ill-gotten gains, signifying a deep-seated disquiet. There is also an element of 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, representing a part for the whole.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 15:6 articulates a foundational 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.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 15:6 serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that true prosperity is not ultimately measured by one's bank account or the sheer volume of material possessions, but by the profound peace, enduring security, and divine blessing that accompany a life lived with integrity and righteousness. It compels us to critically examine the sources and nature of our "treasure" and "revenues." Are we diligently pursuing gains through means that honor God, upholding ethical principles and demonstrating a genuine commitment to justice? Or are we, perhaps subtly, tempted by shortcuts, dishonesty, or exploitative practices that might promise temporary profit but ultimately lead to internal disquiet, relational strain, or external turmoil? This verse profoundly encourages believers to prioritize character over fleeting cash, contentment over insatiable accumulation, and to trust implicitly that God's way of righteousness yields a lasting, deeply satisfying "treasure" that the world cannot offer or take away. It challenges us to redefine success, shifting our focus from outward appearances to building a "house"—our entire life and legacy—on godly principles, where true peace, spiritual abundance, and genuine wealth reside.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse mean that all righteous people will be materially rich and all wicked people will be poor?
Not necessarily in a simplistic, one-to-one correlation. While Proverbs often articulates general principles and observable tendencies within God's moral order, it's crucial to interpret this verse within the broader biblical narrative and the complexities of life. 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 indeed prosper for a time (Psalm 73), 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). This proverb speaks to the quality and ultimate outcome of one's gains, rather than merely the quantity.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 15:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound redefinition in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "house of the righteous" with "much treasure" points forward to the spiritual abundance found in Christ, who is not only our perfect righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30) but also the source of all true and lasting wealth. In Him, believers are declared righteous by faith, and their "house"—their very lives, their spiritual inheritance, and their eternal dwelling—is filled with an immeasurable "treasure" that transcends all earthly possessions. This treasure includes the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), the fullness of joy found in His presence (Psalm 16:11), and the unsearchable riches of God's grace in salvation (Ephesians 2:7). Jesus Himself taught His disciples to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where they are secure from all earthly decay, directly contrasting with the perishable nature of worldly "revenues." He is the ultimate "treasure" hidden in a field, worth selling everything for (Matthew 13:44), and the pearl of great price. Conversely, the "revenues of the wicked" leading to "trouble" are fully exposed in the light of Christ's teachings. Those who pursue worldly gain apart from God experience an inherent 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. In Christ, we find not only true peace and true prosperity but also the only lasting treasure, making Him the embodiment of the righteous path and the ultimate antidote to the trouble found in ungodly gain.