Psalms 37:16 Meaning and Explanation
“A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A righteous person's modest possessions are more valuable than the wicked's vast wealth.
The Context of Psalms 37:16
The superiority of modest righteousness over abundant wickedness.
What Does Psalms 37:16 Mean?
This verse reframes what 'better' means. Material abundance is not the measure of blessing. A small amount in the hands of the righteous—secured by integrity, used with wisdom, enjoyed without guilt—carries more true value than immense wealth obtained through corruption and retained through cruelty.
The implication is that wealth gathered by wickedness brings no peace, no rest, and no lasting satisfaction. The righteous, even in scarcity, possess what the wicked cannot buy: a clean conscience, God's favor, and the assurance of provision. This challenges the assumption that more is always better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 37:16
What does Psalms 37:16 mean?
A righteous person's modest possessions are more valuable than the wicked's vast wealth.
What is the context of Psalms 37:16?
The superiority of modest righteousness over abundant wickedness.