Proverbs 16:8

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

Better {H2896} is a little {H4592} with righteousness {H6666} than great {H7230} revenues {H8393} without right {H4941}.

Better a little with righteousness than a huge income with injustice.

Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.

Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.

Commentary

Context

The book of Proverbs, largely attributed to King Solomon, is a collection of ancient wisdom literature offering practical guidance for daily living. This particular verse, Proverbs 16:8, fits within a section that contrasts righteous living with wicked paths, often focusing on themes of wealth, integrity, and divine favor. It speaks directly to the ethical choices individuals make in their pursuit of sustenance and prosperity, emphasizing moral character over material accumulation.

Key Themes

  • The Superiority of Righteousness: The core message is that moral integrity and ethical conduct, referred to as "righteousness," are intrinsically more valuable than vast material possessions acquired unjustly. Even a modest amount gained honestly is deemed "better" than immense wealth obtained through deceit or unfair means.
  • Integrity in Financial Gain: This proverb strongly advocates for ethical business practices and honest labor. It challenges the common temptation to prioritize financial gain over moral principles, highlighting that wealth acquired "without right" (unjustly) is ultimately detrimental, regardless of its size. This aligns with other wisdom teachings that underscore the importance of walking in uprightness.
  • True Prosperity and Contentment: Beyond simply earning, the verse points to a deeper sense of well-being and contentment that comes from a clear conscience and God's blessing on honest endeavors. It implies that ill-gotten gains, no matter how large, often bring trouble and dissatisfaction, whereas a little with righteousness brings peace. This echoes sentiments found in Proverbs 15:16.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "righteousness" in this verse is tsedeq (צֶדֶק), which encompasses concepts of justice, moral uprightness, and conformity to God's standards. It implies a state of being right with God and right in one's dealings with others. The phrase "without right" translates from lo' mishpat (לֹא מִשְׁפָּט), literally meaning "not justice" or "without judgment/law." This starkly contrasts the two types of revenue: one obtained justly and ethically, the other through illicit or unfair means.

Practical Application

Proverbs 16:8 offers timeless guidance for individuals and businesses today. It serves as a powerful reminder to:

  • Prioritize Ethics: In an age where financial success often seems to be the ultimate goal, this verse calls believers to prioritize integrity and ethical behavior above all else. It challenges the mindset that "the end justifies the means" in financial pursuits.
  • Seek Contentment: It encourages contentment with what is honestly earned, rather than striving for more through compromising one's values. True peace and lasting satisfaction come not from the size of one's bank account, but from a life lived in accordance with God's principles.
  • Build a Legacy of Integrity: The verse suggests that a life characterized by righteousness, even with modest material possessions, leaves a far more valuable and enduring legacy than one built on vast, ill-gotten gains. Ultimately, it encourages us to seek God's kingdom and righteousness first, trusting Him with our provision.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 37:16 (15 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 15:16 (15 votes)

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

  • 1 Timothy 6:6 (10 votes)

    ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

  • 1 Timothy 6:9 (10 votes)

    But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

  • Jeremiah 17:11 (9 votes)

    [As] the partridge sitteth [on eggs], and hatcheth [them] not; [so] he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.

  • Micah 6:10 (7 votes)

    Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure [that is] abominable?

  • Proverbs 21:6 (7 votes)

    ¶ The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.