Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

PROVERBS 15:16KJV
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Proverbs 15:16 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 15:16 mean?

Proverbs 15:16 says it is better to have only a little, as long as you have reverence for the LORD, than to have great wealth along with anxiety and trouble. The verse values a life grounded in respect for God over one filled with riches but lacking peace.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, offering practical guidance for daily living. Here, the writer speaks to anyone weighing the worth of material success against inner well-being. The verse highlights that true security and contentment come from a right relationship with God, not from the amount of possessions a person owns.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 15:16

  • "Fear" (יְרָאָה, yir'ah): This word means awe or reverence, not just being afraid. In this context, it points to a deep respect and trust in the LORD, which brings peace even when material things are lacking.
  • "Trouble" (מְהוּמָה, mehūmāh): This word often refers to turmoil, confusion, or distress. The proverb contrasts the calm that comes with "fear of the LORD" against the inner unrest that can accompany wealth.

Why Proverbs 15:16 matters

  • Proverbs 15:16 corrects the common idea that more wealth always leads to a better life, showing that peace and spiritual grounding are more valuable than possessions.
  • The verse draws attention to the emotional cost that can come with riches, reminding readers that material gain is not always a blessing if it brings anxiety.
  • This saying fits into the wider theme of Proverbs, which often contrasts the wise and the foolish, and points to the importance of character and spiritual priorities over outward success.

Where else these words appear

“trouble” Hebrew H4103 · used in 12 verses

  • Deuteronomy 7:23 But the LORD thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed.
  • 1 Samuel 5:11 So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.
  • Ezekiel 7:7 The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains.

“fear” Hebrew H3374 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
  • Psalms 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
  • Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

“treasure” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Isaiah 2:7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots:

“little” Hebrew H4592 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 1 Samuel 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
  • Proverbs 6:10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: