Psalms 37:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A little {H4592} that a righteous man {H6662} hath is better {H2896} than the riches {H1995} of many {H7227} wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Better the little that the righteous has than the wealth of all the wicked.

Berean Standard Bible

Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.

American Standard Version

Better is a little that the righteous hath Than the abundance of many wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 37:16 articulates a profound wisdom principle, asserting that the modest possessions of an upright individual, blessed by divine favor, inherently surpass the vast, often ill-gotten, wealth accumulated by numerous ungodly people. This verse distills a core truth about true value, contrasting the qualitative superiority of a life lived in integrity and alignment with God's will against the quantitative but ultimately hollow abundance derived from worldly greed and unrighteousness. It offers reassurance that divine blessing on "little" is far more beneficial than unblessed "much."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm, attributed to David, designed to address the perennial human dilemma of the prosperity of the wicked versus the apparent struggles of the righteous. It functions as an extended exhortation to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for His justice, rather than fretting or envying the ungodly. The psalm is loosely acrostic, reinforcing its didactic purpose. Verse 16 serves as a concise proverb within this larger discourse, encapsulating the psalm's central argument that God ultimately vindicates the righteous and brings the wicked to ruin. It follows a series of admonitions to "trust in the Lord, and do good" in [Psalms 37:3](/psalms/37-3 "Psalm 37:3 - Trust and Do Good"), promises for the meek to "inherit the earth" in [Psalms 37:11](/psalms/37-11 "Psalm 37:11 - The Meek Inherit the Earth"), and a declaration that "the Lord knoweth the days of the upright" in [Psalms 37:18](/psalms/37-18 "Psalm 37:18 - The Lord Knows the Days of the Upright"). Thus, verse 16 reinforces the qualitative difference between the lives and destinies of the righteous and the wicked.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many ancient Near Eastern cultures, often viewed material prosperity as a sign of divine blessing. However, the observable reality that wicked individuals frequently prospered posed a significant theological challenge, known as the "problem of evil" or theodicy. Wisdom literature, including books like Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, frequently grappled with this tension. Psalm 37 provides a pastoral and theological response, reassuring believers that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail. The "riches of many wicked" would have been understood in a cultural context where wealth could be amassed through oppressive practices, exploitation, or idolatry, contrasting sharply with the "little" of the righteous, which, though modest, was obtained through honest labor and accompanied by God's favor and peace. This reflects a societal tension between immediate appearances and ultimate spiritual realities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 37 and the broader biblical wisdom tradition. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that the ultimate outcome for the righteous is secure, while the wicked face inevitable ruin, regardless of their temporary success, as seen in [Psalms 37:9-10](/psalms/37-9-10 "Psalm 37:9-10 - The Wicked Will Perish"). It profoundly emphasizes the **Value of Righteousness over Materialism**, teaching that true prosperity is not quantitatively measured by wealth but qualitatively by one's moral character and relationship with God. Furthermore, it promotes **Contentment and Trust in God's Provision**, encouraging believers to find satisfaction in God's blessing on their modest means rather than coveting the fleeting abundance of the ungodly, a sentiment echoed in [Proverbs 15:16](/proverbs/15-16 "Proverbs 15:16 - Better a Little with the Fear of the Lord") and [Proverbs 16:8](/proverbs/16-8 "Proverbs 16:8 - Better a Little with Righteousness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Little (Hebrew, _mᵉʻaṭ'_):** This term (H4592) denotes a small quantity or amount, often used adverbially or comparatively. In this context, it signifies a modest or limited possession, emphasizing sufficiency and contentment derived from God's blessing, rather than poverty. It contrasts sharply with the vastness implied by the "riches of many wicked," highlighting that the qualitative value of what is possessed is not determined by its size but by its origin and the character of its owner.
* **Righteous man (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** This term (H6662) refers to an individual who is just, upright, and in right standing with God. Such a person lives in accordance with God's covenant, demonstrating integrity, faithfulness, and moral rectitude. Their "little" is sanctified by their character and God's favor, making it inherently superior to unblessed abundance. This righteousness is not self-achieved but is a gift and a pursuit in response to God's grace.
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** This term (H7563) describes someone who is morally wrong, ungodly, or actively bad, acting contrary to God's law and will. Their "riches" are often acquired through injustice, oppression, or godlessness, and are therefore inherently tainted, lacking divine blessing and ultimately leading to ruin. The contrast with the "righteous man" underscores the moral and spiritual chasm between the two types of individuals and the nature of their possessions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A little that a righteous man hath":** This opening clause establishes the subject: the modest possessions of an individual whose life is characterized by integrity, moral uprightness, and alignment with God's will. The emphasis is not on the quantity of what is possessed, but on the character of the possessor and the divine favor that accompanies it. This "little" is blessed, secure, and brings peace.
* **"[is] better than the riches":** This is the core comparative statement, asserting a profound qualitative superiority. The Hebrew word for "better" (_ṭôwb_, H2896) signifies not merely a quantitative advantage, but an inherent goodness, stability, and blessedness. It elevates moral and spiritual standing, along with God's favor, above mere material accumulation, suggesting a deeper, more enduring value.
* **"of many wicked":** This phrase identifies the stark contrast: the vast wealth accumulated by numerous ungodly individuals. The "many" emphasizes the widespread nature of such apparent prosperity, which can be a source of vexation or envy for the righteous. However, the qualifier "wicked" immediately undermines the perceived value of their riches, implying they are ill-gotten, unstable, devoid of true blessing, and ultimately lead to destruction, as their possessors are alienated from God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Psalms 37:16 is **Antithesis**, a stark and direct contrast between two opposing ideas or statements. The "little that a righteous man hath" is set in direct opposition to "the riches of many wicked," highlighting the qualitative difference between divinely blessed sufficiency and ill-gotten, unblessed abundance. This contrast is further amplified by **Juxtaposition**, placing these two contrasting scenarios side-by-side for maximum rhetorical impact. The verse also functions as an **Aphorism** or **Proverb**, a concise, memorable statement of a general truth. Its brevity, directness, and profound insight make it easily quotable and impactful, embodying a core principle of biblical wisdom literature that challenges superficial perceptions of prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 37:16 encapsulates a profound theological truth: true prosperity is fundamentally spiritual and relational, not merely material. It challenges the worldly paradigm that equates wealth with blessing, asserting that divine favor on modest means far surpasses vast, unblessed riches. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to sustaining the righteous, even with "little," and His ultimate judgment on the wicked, whose apparent success is fleeting and ultimately empty. It teaches that contentment, peace, and security are found in God's provision and righteousness, not in the pursuit of worldly gain. This principle reorients our understanding of value, shifting it from quantitative accumulation to qualitative blessing and integrity before God.

* [Proverbs 15:16](/proverbs/15-16 "Proverbs 15:16 - Better a Little with the Fear of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 28:6](/proverbs/28-6 "Proverbs 28:6 - Better the Poor Who Walks in Integrity")
* [1 Timothy 6:6-10](/1_timothy/6-6-10 "1 Timothy 6:6-10 - Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often consumed by the relentless pursuit of more—more wealth, more status, more possessions—Psalms 37:16 offers a counter-cultural and profoundly liberating perspective. It compels us to re-evaluate our definition of "success" and "blessing." Are we prone to fretting over what others possess, or are we cultivating a deep contentment with what God has provided, understanding that His blessing on "a little" is immeasurably more valuable and enduring than any amount of wealth gained outside of His will? This verse encourages us to prioritize integrity, righteousness, and a profound, unwavering trust in God's faithful provision above all else. It serves as a powerful reminder that true security, peace, and lasting joy are not found in bank accounts, material acquisitions, or worldly acclaim, but in a right relationship with our Creator, who faithfully sustains those who walk in His ways. Our focus should be on living justly and righteously, trusting that God will supply all our needs according to His glorious riches, and that His "little" is indeed truly abundant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does society's pervasive definition of "success" often conflict with the profound wisdom presented in Psalms 37:16?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be tempted to "fret" or envy the apparent prosperity of others, and how can the truth of this verse reorient your perspective and desires?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of contentment and trust in God's provision, embracing the idea that "a little that a righteous man hath is better"?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that all wealthy people are inherently wicked, or that poverty is a prerequisite for righteousness?**

Answer: No, this verse does not assert that all wealthy people are wicked, nor does it equate poverty with righteousness. The contrast presented is fundamentally qualitative, not quantitative. It specifically refers to the "riches of *many wicked*," implying wealth that is gained, maintained, or used through ungodly means, injustice, or a life lived in rebellion against God. Conversely, the "little that a righteous man hath" speaks to the *quality* and *source* of what is possessed—it is obtained honestly, used for good, and most importantly, blessed by God, regardless of its size. The Bible acknowledges numerous righteous individuals who were also wealthy (e.g., Abraham, Job, David), but their wealth was often characterized by generosity, integrity, and a deep reverence for God. The emphasis here is on the *character* of the possessor and the *nature* of their possessions, not merely the amount. It highlights the inherent value and superior blessedness of a life lived in integrity with God's favor, which makes even modest means infinitely superior to vast, unblessed wealth. As [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord Makes Rich") states, "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 37:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the "righteous man" and radically redefined true wealth and prosperity. Though He was "rich" in divine glory and majesty, yet "for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty, Our Riches")). Jesus consistently taught His disciples not to "lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19-20 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Treasures in Heaven")), thereby elevating spiritual, eternal riches above fleeting material ones. His earthly life was one of humble means, yet He possessed the immeasurable "riches of his grace" ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Riches of His Grace")) and offered true, eternal life to all who believe. The "little" of the righteous man, blessed by God, points to the profound sufficiency found in Christ alone, who provides abundantly for His followers, not necessarily with worldly wealth, but with peace, joy, righteousness, and an eternal inheritance. In Him, believers inherit "all things" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Gives All Things")) and are truly rich, regardless of their earthly possessions, because they possess Christ Himself, the ultimate and inexhaustible treasure, who grants true life and contentment.

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.

Proverbs 15:16

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

Proverbs 15:17

Better [is] a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

1 Timothy 6:6

¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Proverbs 13:25

¶ The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

Proverbs 3:33

The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

Proverbs 30:9

Lest 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].