Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:16, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
American Standard Version
Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith.
World English Bible version
Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble.
Proverbs 15:16 Meaning & Commentary
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. – Proverbs 15:16 (ESV)
So much of the world and our lives revolve around money. Although we may not think we are chasing money, it is easy to get pulled into the ‘rat race,’ as it is commonly called. It is one thing to recognize and acknowledge that we need money; however, when money begins to consume our lives, and we will do whatever it takes to get it, this is when we can get ourselves into trouble.
Jesus is not angry with us because we acknowledge that money is a need and requirement: Matthew 6:8 – Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. God knows what we need and why we need it. Our world runs on a ‘money-based system,’ In a practical and human sense; we need money to live and get by. However, when we become greedy for money and are willing to forsake basic morals and even the fear of the lord, we set ourselves up for disaster.
This is what Proverbs 15:16 is talking about –abandoning godly living and God’s ways just to acquire more monetary possessions and wealth. The Bible teaches us that we can only serve either God or money – we cannot serve both: Matthew 6:24 – No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
What is the point of getting lots of money and possessions but missing life with God in the process? It is better to have few possessions and the fear of the lord (which keeps us close to God) than to have great wealth and “trouble” with it. The worst trouble we can find ourselves in is doing life without God!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 15:16 to our lives?
We must decide in our hearts to serve God and Him only! The Bible warns us about the dangers of chasing after money, which is really serving money: 1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
We must constantly check our hearts and how we are living our lives. If we need to ‘course-correct’ as we live our lives, that is what we must do. The Bible tells us to seek the kingdom of God first: Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. How do we go about seeking God’s kingdom? Firstly, we prioritize spending time with God to grow closer to Him. Secondly, we need to renew our minds with the word of God (The Bible) to think like Christ.
Lastly, and most importantly, we need to obey God’s word and apply it to our lives. Especially in financial matters, it is not just about what we know – more about what we do! We cannot say God is Lord over our finances if we do not apply His word to our financial lives. We should find peace and contentment with where we are and build on that with Godly principles. There is no ‘shortcut’ to success in the kingdom of God. We need to guard our hearts against what seem to be ‘shortcuts,’ as they are usually just a road to destruction:
Matthew 4:8-10 – Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”
Prayer
Mighty God, I come to you today in Jesus’ name. Please forgive me for where I might have tried to run life my way instead of according to Your word and principles.
Help me to re-center my entire life around You and Your word. Please show me where I might have missed the mark and help me to get back on track today. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
