Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

PROVERBS 16:8KJV
Know the Bible

Proverbs 16:8 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 16:8 mean?

Proverbs 16:8 says it is better to have only a little, as long as it is gained honestly and with righteousness, than to have large profits or wealth that come without justice or fairness. The verse values integrity over material success.

This proverb comes from the collection of wise sayings in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, and is directed to anyone seeking wisdom for daily life. The verse highlights a contrast between two ways of living: one marked by righteousness (living rightly and justly), even if it means having less, and the other marked by great gain but lacking fairness or moral uprightness.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 16:8

  • "Better" (טוֹב, tov): This word often means "good" or "better," emphasizing what is truly preferable or desirable in life, not just what is outwardly impressive.
  • "Righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): This word refers to right conduct, justice, and moral integrity. The verse centers on the idea that living rightly is more valuable than material gain.
  • "Great" (רָב, rav): This word means "much" or "abundant," pointing to the impressive size of the revenues being compared.
  • "Revenues" (תְּבוּאָה, tevu'ah): This word means "income" or "profits," usually from harvest or business, making the contrast about everyday earnings, not just riches.
  • "Right" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word means "justice" or "judgment," so "without right" means without fairness or proper justice, not just without legal standing.

Why Proverbs 16:8 matters

  • Proverbs 16:8 corrects the common idea that more wealth is always better, showing that how wealth is gained matters more than how much is gained.
  • The verse highlights the importance of justice and righteousness as foundational values, even in ordinary business or daily living.
  • By contrasting "a little with righteousness" and "great revenues without right," the proverb reminds readers that integrity is not just a spiritual idea but a practical guide for real-life choices.

Where else these words appear

“revenues” Hebrew H8393 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 47:24 And it shall come to pass in the increase, that ye shall give the fifth part unto Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for your food, and for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.
  • Deuteronomy 14:22 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year.
  • Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

“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:

“great” Hebrew H7230 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
  • Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.