“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fatted calf with hatred…Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife” (Proverbs 15:16-17; 17:1).
Like the book of Ecclesiastes, the word “better” is used 21 times in Proverbs. An essential aspect of wisdom is the discernment which knows the real value of life’s choices and exchanges. Like Moses (Heb. 11:24-26), a wise person weighs the things of life in the balances of eternity. A fool does not.
Like godliness (1 Tim. 4:8), the fear of the Lord is profitable in this life and the life to come. Therefore, its value far exceeds a vast storehouse of perishable earthly treasures. A deep reverence for God provides strong confidence (Prov. 14:26) and a life which eschews evil (Prov. 8:13; 16:6). When coupled with obedience, you will live your life at its highest purpose and with sufficient preparation for God’s judgment (Ecc. 12:13-14).
Domestic love (Prov. 16:17) and tranquility (Prov. 17:1) are firstfruits of the joy and bliss of heaven. Neither wealth nor an extravagant daily diet can nourish the hungry heart and soul as a loving mate does. Add into this home the presence of merry hearts and there will be a continual feast (Prov. 15:15), regardless of how plain or sparse the meals.
“A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked” (Ps. 37:16).
