Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:6, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
American Standard Version
In the house of the righteous is much treasure; But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
World English Bible version
In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.
Proverbs 15:6 Meaning & Commentary
In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. – Proverbs 15:6 (ESV)
We need to understand that although there are similarities between biblical times and the times we now live in, there are some differences. Generally speaking, we don’t have “treasure” as they did in Biblical times. We operate more on a fiat-based money system and continue moving ever closer to a digital one.
The point is that Proverbs 15:6 highlights that in the house of the righteous, there is (or at least should be) much treasure. The reality is that as children of God, we should not be broke – we should have money, or “much treasure,” as The Bible calls it.
The second part of Proverbs 15:6 says that “trouble befalls the income of the wicked.” Perhaps we can relate to this? We earn money, but it seems to go nowhere, or we are continually hit with expense after expense. In other words, our income or finances are not “blessed,” and we seem to struggle constantly. We need The Lord’s blessing and hand over our finances and lives: Proverbs 10:22 – The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
What is the point of earning a good income but not having God’s blessing on it? A good income without God’s hand or blessing on our lives can add more trouble and sorrow. However, when we put God first and honor Him with our finances and lives, He will make us “rich” – not only in finances but everything. God desires us to have enough wealth to enjoy life:
1 Timothy 6:17 – As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. There is nothing “spiritual” about lacking money – God desires to bless us and to have money, as long as money does not have our hearts!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:6 to our lives?
The Bible is filled with God’s principles for money management and how to “unlock” godly success in our lives. We will not be able to cover this too in-depth here. However, what keeps many of God’s children limited is their mindset toward money. We need to work on renewing our minds and our thinking according to God’s Word:
Romans 12:2 – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. If we believe money is evil, we will not have any, nor will we actively work towards growing our wealth.
The Bible does not say that money is evil. Instead, it says that the love of money is the problem: 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. When we believe that God desires us to have wealth, we can begin to apply His principles for money management and godly success. There are many principles and “keys” to success in the Word of God.
Giving and stewardship are two of the most common themes in God’s Word relative to money management. When we give with the right motives, we will reap more in return: 2 Corinthians 9:6 – The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Furthermore, financial success is closely tied to good stewardship. When we steward finances well, we receive more: Luke 16:10 – One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. Good stewardship includes budgeting, investing, diligence, multiplying our money, and using the gifts and talents The Lord has blessed us with!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for challenging my mindset about wealth and money. I desire to be like the person described in Proverbs 15:6 who has wealth and material possessions so I can be a blessing to many.
As I search Your Word, I ask that you open it up to me, and I pray right now for wisdom to manage my finances well. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
