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<!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>Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/15-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_15_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 15:16 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.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/proverbs/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure, and turmoil with the treasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Better is a little with the fear of the LORD Than great treasure and turmoil with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure and turmoil with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Better is a little with the fear of Yahweh Than great treasure and turmoil with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Better is a little with the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD Than great treasure and trouble with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It's better to obey the LORD and have only a little, than to be very rich and terribly anxious. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Better to have a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Better to be poor and fear the LORD than to be rich and in trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a little accompanied by fear of the LORD than abundant wealth with turmoil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth and turmoil with it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Better is little, with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better [is] a little with the fear of YHWH, "" Than much treasure, and tumult with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is a little with the fear of Jehovah, Than much treasure, and tumult with it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Good is little with the fear of Jehovah more than much treasure and confusion with it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures without content, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures and dissatisfaction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Better a little with fear of the LORD than a great fortune with anxiety. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Better is a little with reverence for the LORD than the great treasures of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />To worship LORD JEHOVAH a little is better than the great treasures of the evil.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Better is little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure and turmoil therewith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Better is a small portion with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures without the fear <i>of the Lord</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-16.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/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2913" 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/proverbs/15.htm">A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>All the days of the oppressed are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ- (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">Better</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.">a little</a> <a href="/hebrew/3374.htm" title="3374: bə·yir·’aṯ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- A fear. Feminine of yare'; fear; morally, reverence.">with the fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rāḇ (Adj-ms) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">than great</a> <a href="/hebrew/214.htm" title="214: mê·’ō·w·ṣār (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse. From 'atsar; a depository.">treasure</a> <a href="/hebrew/4103.htm" title="4103: ū·mə·hū·māh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Tumult, confusion, disquietude, discomfiture. From huwm; confusion or uproar.">with turmoil.</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.…<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="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a></span><br />But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-8</a></span><br />Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. / For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</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="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="/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 4:11-13</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. / I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.<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="/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="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></span><br />Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-9.htm">Psalm 34:9-10</a></span><br />Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. / Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.<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/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-22.htm">Luke 12:22-31</a></span><br />Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. / For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. / Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than the birds! ...<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.<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.</p><p class="hdg">little</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than <i>he that is</i> perverse <i>in his</i> ways, though he <i>be</i> rich.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</a></b></br> A little that a righteous man hath <i>is</i> better than the riches of many wicked.</p><p class="hdg">great</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm">Proverbs 10:22</a></b></br> The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:10,11,18-23</a></b></br> And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10-12</a></b></br> He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this <i>is</i> also vanity… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Better</a> <a href="/psalms/38-8.htm">Disquietude</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-27.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Little</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Store</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-22.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-5.htm">Together</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/psalms/83-2.htm">Tumult</a> <a href="/psalms/65-7.htm">Turmoil</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-6.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Better</a> <a href="/psalms/38-8.htm">Disquietude</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-33.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Little</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Store</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Together</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Treasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">Tumult</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-3.htm">Turmoil</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">A gentle answer turns away wrath</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/proverbs/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Better a little with the fear of the LORD</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of spiritual wealth over material wealth. The "fear of the LORD" is a recurring theme in Proverbs, signifying reverence, awe, and obedience to God. It is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>) and is more valuable than earthly riches. The idea of having "a little" suggests contentment with basic needs, echoing the teachings of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Matthew 6:25-34</a>, where He advises not to worry about material needs but to seek first the kingdom of God. This principle is also seen in the life of Jesus, who lived simply and taught His followers to do the same.<p><b>than great treasure with turmoil</b><br>"Great treasure" represents material wealth and abundance, which in biblical times often came with responsibilities, anxieties, and moral challenges. The term "turmoil" suggests inner conflict, stress, and the potential for strife that can accompany wealth. This reflects the biblical warning that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (<a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a>). The historical context of ancient Israel, where wealth could lead to power struggles and social injustice, underscores the potential for turmoil. The contrast here is clear: peace and godliness are preferable to the unrest that can accompany riches. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/19-24.htm">Matthew 19:24</a> about the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven, highlighting the spiritual dangers of wealth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into life, wealth, and the fear of the Lord are foundational to understanding this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>- The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, representing His eternal presence and relationship with His people. The "fear of the LORD" is a central theme in Proverbs, emphasizing reverence and obedience to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Understanding the values and societal norms of ancient Israel helps illuminate the significance of wealth and divine reverence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_contentment.htm">The Value of Contentment</a></b><br>True contentment comes from a relationship with God, not from material possessions. The "little" with God's presence is more fulfilling than "great treasure" without Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the LORD</a></b><br>Reverence for God should be the guiding principle in our lives. It leads to wisdom, peace, and a proper perspective on material wealth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_wealth.htm">The Illusion of Wealth</a></b><br>Material wealth can bring turmoil and anxiety. It is temporary and can distract from what truly matters—our relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prioritizing_spiritual_wealth.htm">Prioritizing Spiritual Wealth</a></b><br>Spiritual wealth, characterized by peace, joy, and a clear conscience, should be prioritized over accumulating material possessions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_provision.htm">Trust in God's Provision</a></b><br>Trusting in God's provision allows us to live with less anxiety about material needs, knowing that He cares for us and provides what we truly need.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_mental_illness.htm">What does the Bible say about mental illness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_fearing_god_fit_with_rationality.htm">Proverbs 15:33: How is fearing the Lord compatible with contemporary views on rational inquiry and evidence-based wisdom?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_child_marriage.htm">What does Proverbs 1:7 mean by 'fools despise wisdom'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_23_9_conflict_with_sharing_truth.htm">Proverbs 23:9 says not to speak to a fool; does this conflict with the New Testament's call to share truth with everyone?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Trouble.--</span>The "disquiet" (<a href="/psalms/39-6.htm" title="Surely every man walks in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heaps up riches, and knows not who shall gather them.">Psalm 39:6</a>) which attends the pursuit and care of riches, in contrast to the "peace which they have who love God's law. (<a href="/psalms/119-165.htm" title="Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them.">Psalm 119:165</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Better is little with the fear of the Lord.</span> The good man's little store, which bears upon it the blessing of the Lord, is better than great treasure and trouble therewith, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> with the treasure (<a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</a>). The trouble intended is the care and labour and anxiety attending the pursuit and preservation of wealth. "Much coin, much care" (comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:4</a>). It was good advice of the old moralist, "Sis pauper honeste potius quam dives male; Namque hoc fert crimen, illud misericordiam." Vulgate, <span class="accented">thesauri magni et insatiabiles</span>, "treasures which satisfy not;" Septuagint, "Great treasures without fear (of the Lord)." Christ's maxim is, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (<a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-16.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</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">a 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">with the fear</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיִרְאַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yir·’aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3374.htm">Strong's 3374: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fear, reverence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than great</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֝֗ב</span> <span class="translit">(rāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<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">treasure</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאוֹצָ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ō·w·ṣār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_214.htm">Strong's 214: </a> </span><span class="str2">Treasure, store, a treasury, storehouse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with turmoil.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְה֥וּמָה</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·hū·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4103.htm">Strong's 4103: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tumult, confusion, disquietude, discomfiture</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-16.htm">Proverbs 15:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/15-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 15:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/15-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 15:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:17" /></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>