Proverbs 16:8

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 16:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.
Proverbs 16:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Better [is] a little with righteousness, etc.] 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”f463; how to make use of them aright, and without a…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Compare Pro 15:6, Pro 15:16-17).”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“16:8 Better to have little: See also 15:16.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“is: Pro 15:16; Psa 37:16; Ti1 6:6-9 great: Pro 21:6, Pro 21:7; Jer 17:11; Mic 6:10 Proverbs 16:9”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Five proverbs of the king, together with three of righteousness in action and conduct: 8 Better is a little with righteousness, Than rich revenues with unrighteousness. The cogn. proverb Pro 15:16 commences similarly. Of רב תּבוּאות, multitude or greatness of income, vid., Pro 14:4 : "unrighteous wealth profits not." The possessor of it is not truly happy, for sin cleaves to it, which troubles the heart (conscience), and because the enjoyment which it affords is troubled by the curses of those who are injured, and by the sighs of the oppressed. Above all other gains rises ἡ εὐσέβεια μετ ̓ αὐταρκείας ( Ti1 6:6). Proverbs 16:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification