Proverbs 15:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A little with reverence for God is better than abundant wealth with strife.
The Context of Proverbs 15:16
Spiritual well-being is worth more than material abundance gained or held unrighteously.
What Does Proverbs 15:16 Mean?
This is a ranking of values. Little material possession combined with the fear of the LORD (reverent awe and obedience to God) is superior to great treasure that brings trouble. The verse acknowledges that wealth without righteousness is unstable and brings turmoil.
The comparison is not idle philosophy: it suggests that small means in a righteous household are preferable to large means in one filled with conflict and corruption. Wealth without peace is not wealth; poverty with reverence for God has more true value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 15:16
What does Proverbs 15:16 mean?
A little with reverence for God is better than abundant wealth with strife.
What is the context of Proverbs 15:16?
Spiritual well-being is worth more than material abundance gained or held unrighteously.