Proverbs 15:16-17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 15:16-17

Solomon had said in the foregoing verse that he who has not a large estate, or a great income, but a cheerful spirit, has a continual feast; Christian contentment, and joy in God, make the life easy and pleasant; now here he tells us what is necessary to that cheerfulness of spirit which will furnish a man with a continual feast, though he has but little in the world?holiness and love. I. Holiness. A little, if we manage it and enjoy it in the fear of the Lord, if we keep a good conscience and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 15:16

Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. Not that a "little" is better than "much" of that which is good, as the things of this world are in themselves; poverty is not better than riches, simply considered; but as these are attended with different circumstances: if a man has but little of worldly substance, yet if he has "the fear of God" in his heart, and before his eyes; that fear which has God for its author and for its object, and which is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 15:17

Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is ,.... What Plautus F9 Capteivei, Act. 1. Sc. 2. v. 80. &. 3. Sc. 1. v. 37. calls "asperam et terrestrem caenam", "a harsh and earthly supper", made of what grows out of the earth; which is got without much cost or care, and dressed with little trouble; a traveller's dinner, as the word F11 ארחת "viaticum", Montanus, Amama; "commeatus", Cocceius. signifies, and a poor one too to travel upon, such as is easily obtained, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 15:16

Better is little with the fear of the Lord - Because where the fear of God is, there are moderation and contentment of spirit. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 15:17

Better is a dinner of herbs - Great numbers of indigent Hindoos subsist wholly on herbs, fried in oil, and mixed with their rice. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 15:13-17

The source of satisfaction We learn— I. THAT THERE SOMETIMES RESTS A LONG AND DEEP SHADOW ON THE PATH OF HUMAN LIFE . 1 . Sometimes a long one. "All the days of the afflicted are evil." They are not a few who have to make up their minds for many months or years of separation or pain, or even for a lifelong trouble. They know that they will carry their burden to the grave. 2 . Sometimes a deep one. "By sorrow of heart the spirit is broken." The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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