Proverbs 15:15-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 15:16

Better is little with the fear of the Lord. The good man's little store, which bears upon it the blessing of the Lord, is better than great treasure and trouble therewith, i.e. with the treasure ( Proverbs 16:8 ; Psalms 37:16 ). The trouble intended is the care and labour and anxiety attending the pursuit and preservation of wealth. "Much coin, much care" (comp. Ecclesiastes 6:4 ). It was good advice of the old moralist, " Sis pauper honeste potius quam dives male; Namque hoc fert... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 15:16-17

The better things Earthly good is comparative. Many things regarded by themselves appear to be eminently attractive; but if they exclude more desirable things they must be rejected. We need not make the worst of this world in order to make the best of the higher world. Taking earth at its brightest, it is still outshone by the glories of heaven. But earth is not always at its brightest; and we must make our comparison with the actual facts of life, not with ideal possibilities. I. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 15:16-17

Alternatives I. POVERTY WITH PIETY , OR RICHES WITH DISCONTENT . Which shall we choose? Naturally all, or nearly all, will prefer to take riches with its risks rather than poverty with its certain privations. Our Bible is precious because it reminds us that there is another side in this matter. Riches are too dearly gained at the expense of peace of conscience; poverty is blessed if it brings us nearer to God. II. SCANTY FARE WITH RICH SPIRITUAL SEASONING , ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 15:17

Better is a dinner (portion) of herbs where love is. A dish of vegetables would be the common meal, whereas flesh would be reserved for festive occasions. Where love presides, the simplest food is cheerfully received, and contentment and happiness abound ( Proverbs 17:1 ). Lesetre quotes Horace's invitation to his friend Torquatus ('Epist.,' 1.5. 1)— " Si potes Archiacis conviva recumbere lectis, Nec modica cenare times olus omne patella, Supreme te sole domi, Torquate, manebo ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 15:13-15

Proverbs 15:13-15. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; &c. “When the mind of a man is inwardly satisfied, and full of joy, it does good to his body too, as appears in his cheerful countenance: but when grief seizes on the heart, it detects, enfeebles, and breaks the most courageous spirit.” All the days of the afflicted Of those troubled in mind, as the meaning of this general expression may be very fitly restrained from the following clause; are evil Tedious and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 15:16-17

Proverbs 15:16-17. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord Which gives a man tranquillity and comfort in what he hath; than great treasure and trouble therewith Tumultuous lusts and passions, vexatious cares and fears, horrors of conscience, and expectations of God’s wrath and indignation. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is True friendship and kindness between those that eat together; than a stalled ox and hatred therewith Than the most sumptuous entertainment by him that... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 15:1-33

Bringing joy to others (15:1-33)Words can easily cheer others or enrage them, help them or hinder them. Therefore, people should think carefully about what they say (15:1-5). In addition to being wise in their speech, they must be honest in the way they earn their income (6-7). In fact, they must be upright in all aspects of their daily lives. Only then will God, from whom nothing can be hidden, accept their sacrifices and prayers (8-11). Another matter concerning habits of speech is that those... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 15:15

afflicted. Hebrew. 'anah. See note on "poverty", Proverbs 6:11 . evil = sad. Same word as in Proverbs 15:3 . merry = good. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 15:16

Better. See note on Proverbs 8:11 . Illustrations: the shepherds (Luke 2:20 . Compare Matthew 2:3 ); Paul in prison (Philippians 1:4 , Philippians 1:11 , Philippians 1:13 , Philippians 1:18 ; 1 Timothy 6:6 ). Contrast Ahab in palace (1 Kings 21:4 ). Jehovah is a substitute for every good thing, but nothing is a substitute for Him. the fear of the LORD. See note on Proverbs 1:7 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 15:15

"All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast."This proverb stresses the fact that time passes slowly for the suffering or the distressed, and that time passes swiftly for those in the midst of joy. This writer attended an Armistice Day Celebration in 1932 at Lawton, Oklahoma. Totally disabled veterans of World War I were in attendance. The speaker began by saying; "It is now over fourteen years since the thundering canons in France were... read more

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