Proverbs 15:16

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

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

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

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 15:16

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

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