Proverbs 16:8

Better is a little with righteousness ,.... Gotten in a righteous way, held by a righteous claim, used in a righteous manner, attended with a life of righteousness and holiness; and also along with an interest in the righteousness of Christ, which renders acceptable unto God, yields peace and comfort, and entitles to eternal glory and happiness. A truly righteous man may have but little of this world's goods; but his small pittance is better

than great revenues without right ; obtained in an unjust way; detained from the right owner of them, and used in an unrighteous manner, in a course of sin and wickedness: or, "without judgment" F5 בלא משפט "absque judicio", Pagninus, Montanus. ; how to make use of them aright, and without a righteousness that will justify them at the day of judgment; See Gill on Proverbs 15:16 . A little the true church of Christ enjoys in the wilderness; having Christ and his grace, Christ and his righteousness, is better than all the revenues of the church of Rome gotten by the unlawful methods they are; and which, in one hour will come to nought, Revelation 18:17 .