◄ Proverbs 15:16 ►
Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.
Study Bible
Better a little
The Hebrew word for "better" is "טוֹב" (tov), which conveys the idea of goodness, pleasantness, or moral excellence. In the context of this verse, it suggests that having a small amount of material wealth is more desirable when accompanied by spiritual richness. The phrase "a little" emphasizes the sufficiency and contentment that can be found in simplicity. Historically, this reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where daily sustenance was often a primary concern, and the value of spiritual wealth was esteemed above material abundance.

with the fear of the LORD
The "fear of the LORD" is a central theme in Proverbs and is derived from the Hebrew word "יִרְאָה" (yirah), which means reverence or awe. This phrase does not imply terror but rather a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and holiness. In a conservative Christian perspective, this fear is foundational to wisdom and understanding, as it aligns one's life with God's will. The fear of the LORD is seen as a guiding principle that leads to a life of righteousness and peace, contrasting with the fleeting nature of material wealth.

than great treasure
"Great treasure" refers to abundant material wealth and possessions. The Hebrew word "אוֹצָר" (otzar) signifies a storehouse or treasury, indicating accumulated riches. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wealth was often associated with power and security. However, this proverb challenges the notion that material abundance equates to true prosperity. From a biblical standpoint, treasures on earth are temporary and can lead to spiritual complacency or moral compromise.

with turmoil
The word "turmoil" is translated from the Hebrew "מְהוּמָה" (mehumah), which denotes confusion, disorder, or distress. This term captures the inner and outer chaos that can accompany the pursuit of wealth without spiritual grounding. Historically, the pursuit of riches often led to social unrest and personal strife, as seen in various biblical narratives. In a conservative Christian view, this turmoil is contrasted with the peace that comes from living in accordance with God's principles, highlighting the futility of seeking fulfillment in material possessions alone.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- 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.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
- 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.

3. Ancient Israel
- 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.
Teaching Points
The Value of Contentment
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.

The Fear of the LORD
Reverence for God should be the guiding principle in our lives. It leads to wisdom, peace, and a proper perspective on material wealth.

The Illusion of Wealth
Material wealth can bring turmoil and anxiety. It is temporary and can distract from what truly matters—our relationship with God.

Prioritizing Spiritual Wealth
Spiritual wealth, characterized by peace, joy, and a clear conscience, should be prioritized over accumulating material possessions.

Trust in God's Provision
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.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the "fear of the LORD" influence your daily decisions and priorities?

2. In what ways can you cultivate contentment with "a little" in your life, and how does this align with biblical teachings?

3. Reflect on a time when material wealth or the pursuit of it brought turmoil into your life. How might a focus on spiritual wealth have changed that situation?

4. How can you apply the principle of prioritizing spiritual wealth in your family or community?

5. What steps can you take to trust more in God's provision and less in your own ability to accumulate wealth? How does this trust impact your peace of mind?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 9:10
- This verse highlights that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, connecting the idea that reverence for God is foundational to a meaningful life.

Ecclesiastes 5:10
- This passage discusses the futility of loving money, reinforcing the idea that wealth without contentment leads to turmoil.

Matthew 6:19-21
- Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, aligning with the principle that spiritual wealth surpasses material wealth.
Sermons
The Source of SatisfactionW. Clarkson Proverbs 15:13, 15-17
AlternativesE. Johnson Proverbs 15:16, 17
People
Abaddon, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Better, Disquietude, Fear, Solomon, Song, Store, Therewith, Treasure, Trouble, Tumult, Turmoil, Wealth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 15:16

     5481   proverb
     5933   restlessness
     8117   discipleship, benefits
     8307   moderation

Proverbs 15:16-17

     5450   poverty, spiritual
     8812   riches, ungodly use

Library
God, the All-Seeing One
A sermon (No. 177) delivered on Sabbath morning, February 14, 1858 At The Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens by C. H. Spurgeon. "Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?" -- Proverbs 15:11. You have often smiled at the ignorance of heathens who bow themselves before gods of wood and stone. You have quoted the words of Scripture and you have said, "Eyes have they, but they see not; ears have they, but they hear not." You have therefore argued that …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
A sermon (No. 1948) delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain."--Proverbs 15:19. You must have noticed how frequently godly people almost wear out their Bibles in certain places. The Psalms, the Gospel of John, and parts of the Epistles are favourite portions, and are thumbed in many an old believer's Bible till the fact is very noticeable. There are certain sheep-tracks …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

God, the All-Seeing One
We have in our text, first of all, a great fact declared,--"Hell and destruction are before the Lord ;" we have, secondly, a great fact inferred,--"How much more then the hearts of the children of men?" I. We will begin with THE GREAT FACT WHICH IS DECLARED--a fact which furnishes us with premises from which we deduce the practical conclusion of the second sentence--"How much more then the hearts of the children of men?" The best interpretation that you can give of those two words, "hell" and "destruction," …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 18.) Differently to be admonished are the humble and the haughty. To the former it is to be insinuated how true is that excellence which they hold in hoping for it; to the latter it is to be intimated how that temporal glory is as nothing which even when embracing it they hold not. Let the humble hear how eternal are the things that they long for, how transitory the things which they despise; let the haughty hear how transitory are the things they court, how eternal the things they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Epistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths .
To Rechared, King of the Visigoths [82] . Gregory to Rechared, &c. I cannot express in words, most excellent son, how much I am delighted with thy work and thy life. For on hearing of the power of a new miracle in our days, to wit that the whole nation of the Goths has through thy Excellency been brought over from the error of Arian heresy to the firmness of a right faith, one is disposed to exclaim with the prophet, This is the change wrought by the right hand of the Most High (Ps. lxxvi. 11 [83] …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Contention Over the Man Born Blind.
(Jerusalem.) ^D John IX. 1-41. [Some look upon the events in this and the next section as occurring at the Feast of Tabernacles in October, others think they occurred at the Feast of Dedication in December, deriving their point of time from John x. 22.] ^d 1 And as he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. [The man probably sought to waken compassion by repeatedly stating this fact to passers-by.] 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he should …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

"And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
1 Tim. i. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment," &c. We come now, as was proposed, to observe, Thirdly,(474) That faith unfeigned is the only thing which gives the answer of a good conscience towards God. Conscience, in general, is nothing else but a practical knowledge of the rule a man should walk by, and of himself in reference to that rule. It is the laying down a man's state, and condition, and actions beside the rule of God's word, or the principles of nature's light. It is the chief piece …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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