CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 37:16 Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/37-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/19_Psa_037_016.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 37:16 - Do Not Envy Those who Do Wrong" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/37-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/37-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/37.htm">Chapter 37</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/37-15.htm" title="Psalm 37:15">◄</a> Psalm 37:16 <a href="/psalms/37-17.htm" title="Psalm 37:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/37.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/37.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/37.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/37.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A little that a righteous man hath <i>is</i> better than the riches of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/37.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A little that a righteous man has <i>Is</i> better than the riches of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/37.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/37.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/37.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/37.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous Than the abundance of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/37.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous [who seek the will of God] Than the abundance (riches) of many wicked (godless).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/37.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The little that the righteous person has is better than the abundance of many wicked people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/37.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The little that the righteous man has is better than the abundance of many wicked people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/37.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a little that the righteous hath Than the abundance of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/37.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It is better to live right and be poor than to be sinful and rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/37.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Better is a little that the righteous hath than the abundance of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/37.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The little that the righteous person has is better than the wealth of many wicked people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/37.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The little that a good person owns is worth more than the wealth of all the wicked, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/37.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is the little that the righteous have than the abundance of many wicked people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/37.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/37.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The little bit that a godly man owns is better than the wealth of many evil men, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/37.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Better is a little that the righteous has, than the abundance of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/37.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/37.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Better is a little that the righteous has, than the abundance of many wicked. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/37.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better [is] the little of the righteous, "" Than the store of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/37.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is the little of the righteous, Than the store of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/37.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A little to the just one is good more than the wealth of many unjust.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/37.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Better is a little to the just, than the great riches of the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/37.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 36:16>A little is better to the just than the many riches of sinners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/37.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Better the meagerness of the righteous one than the plenty of the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/37.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a little that the righteous person has than the abundance of many wicked.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/37.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A little that a righteous man has is better than the great riches of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/37.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A little that a righteous one has is better than the many possessions of the wicked<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/37.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Better is a little that the righteous hath Than the abundance of many wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/37.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A little is better to the righteous than abundant wealth of sinners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/37-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=4210" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm">Do Not Envy Those who Do Wrong</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ- (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">Better is</a> <a href="/hebrew/4592.htm" title="4592: mə·‘aṭ (Adj-ms) -- A little, fewness, a few. Or miat; from ma'at; a little or few.">the little</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: laṣ·ṣad·dîq (Prep-l, Art:: Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">of the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/1995.htm" title="1995: mê·hă·mō·wn (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A sound, murmur, roar, crowd, abundance. Or hamon; from hamah; a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth.">than the abundance</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">of many</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: rə·šā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">who are wicked.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16</a></span><br />Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a></span><br />Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6</a></span><br />Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-11.htm">Philippians 4:11-12</a></span><br />I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. / I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a></span><br />Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-4.htm">1 Peter 1:4</a></span><br />and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-10.htm">2 Corinthians 6:10</a></span><br />sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:6</a></span><br />Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6</a></span><br />Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-2.htm">Isaiah 55:2</a></span><br />Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-25.htm">Psalm 73:25-26</a></span><br />Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. / My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">Proverbs 3:33</a></b></br> The curse of the LORD <i>is</i> in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Proverbs 13:25</a></b></br> The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16,17</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/37-11.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/job/41-29.htm">Better</a> <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/psalms/37-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/37-10.htm">Little</a> <a href="/job/36-19.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/31-19.htm">Store</a> <a href="/psalms/24-1.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/37-19.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/psalms/63-3.htm">Better</a> <a href="/psalms/37-17.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/psalms/37-17.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Little</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Riches</a> <a href="/psalms/37-17.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Store</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/psalms/37-17.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 37</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">David persuades to patience and confidence in God, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/37-12.htm">by the different estate of the godly and the wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/37.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/37.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Better is the little of the righteous</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of righteousness over material wealth. In biblical context, righteousness is often associated with living in accordance with God's will and commandments. The "little" refers to modest possessions or resources, suggesting that a life lived in righteousness, even with limited material wealth, is preferable. This echoes <a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16</a>, which states, "Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil." The idea is that spiritual wealth and peace of mind are more valuable than material abundance.<p><b>than the abundance of many who are wicked</b><br>The "abundance" here refers to the material wealth and resources that the wicked may possess. In historical and cultural context, wealth was often seen as a sign of blessing, yet this verse challenges that notion by suggesting that wealth gained through wickedness is ultimately worthless. This is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who warned against storing up treasures on earth (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>). The "many who are wicked" implies that wickedness is widespread, yet their abundance is fleeting and lacks the eternal value that comes with righteousness. This phrase also connects to the theme of divine justice, where the prosperity of the wicked is temporary, as seen in <a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18-19</a>, which describes the eventual downfall of the wicked.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>- The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/37.htm">Psalm 37</a>, David was the second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his authorship of many Psalms. He often wrote about the contrast between the righteous and the wicked.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>- In this context, the righteous are those who live in accordance with God's will and commandments, trusting in Him for their provision and guidance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>- Those who live in opposition to God's ways, often characterized by their pursuit of wealth and power through unjust means.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation to whom David originally wrote, often facing the temptation to envy the prosperity of surrounding nations and their practices.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a></b><br>- Central to the Psalm, God is portrayed as the ultimate judge who sees the hearts of men and rewards the righteous.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_righteousness.htm">Contentment in Righteousness</a></b><br>True contentment comes from living a life aligned with God's will, not from the accumulation of material wealth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>The value of righteousness surpasses temporary material gains. Believers are encouraged to focus on eternal rewards rather than earthly riches.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>The righteous are called to trust in God's provision, believing that He will meet their needs even if they possess little by worldly standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_envy.htm">Avoiding Envy</a></b><br>Believers should guard against envying the prosperity of the wicked, understanding that their ultimate end is not blessed.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_integrity.htm">Living with Integrity</a></b><br>A life of integrity and righteousness is more fulfilling and rewarding than one filled with dishonest gain.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/37.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">A little.</span>--A natural reflection, when it is remembered that great riches bring corresponding cares (<a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm" title="Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.">Proverbs 15:16</a>), and often lead to ruinous indulgence and luxury (<a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm" title="The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.">Proverbs 13:25</a>; <a href="/job/20-12.htm" title="Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue;">Job 20:12</a>.) Besides, the contentment which is often enjoyed in virtuous poverty seldom dwells with the mammon of unrighteousness.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/37.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked</span> (comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16</a>; <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/37-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Better [is]</span><br /><span class="heb">טוֹב־</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the little</span><br /><span class="heb">מְ֭עַט</span> <span class="translit">(mə·‘aṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> </span><span class="str2">A little, fewness, a few</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">לַצַּדִּ֑יק</span> <span class="translit">(laṣ·ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than the abundance</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֝הֲמ֗וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(mê·hă·mō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1995.htm">Strong's 1995: </a> </span><span class="str2">A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of many</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wicked.</span><br /><span class="heb">רְשָׁעִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·šā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wrong, an, bad person</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 37:16 Better is a little that the righteous (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/37-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 37:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 37:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/37-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 37:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 37:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>