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The Fear of Jehovah Brings Peace

Proverbs 15:16 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁶Better is a little with the fear of Jehovah
than great treasure and trouble with it.

This verse suggests that it is better to have a modest amount of wealth or resources, but to have a healthy fear of God and live a peaceful, calm life, than to have a lot of wealth but be constantly anxious or troubled. The fear of the Lord refers to a respect and reverence for God and a desire to follow his commands. It is not a fear of punishment but rather a sense of awe and reverence for God’s majesty and goodness. In this verse, the fear of the Lord is seen as a positive quality that brings peace and contentment, while great wealth is accompanied by turmoil or anxiety.

Better – The Hebrew word used here is “tov,” which means “good” or “beneficial.” It suggests that the thing being compared is superior in some way.
A little with the fear of Jehovah – “A little” refers to a small amount of wealth or resources. “The fear of Jehovah” refers to a respect and reverence for God and a desire to follow his commands. This phrase suggests that it is better to have a modest amount of wealth or resources but to have a healthy fear of God and live a peaceful, calm life.
Great treasure and trouble with it – “Great treasure” refers to a large amount of wealth or resources. “Trouble” is translated from the Hebrew word “ra’ah,” which can mean “turmoil,” “anxiety,” or “disturbance.” This phrase suggests that having a lot of wealth can bring anxiety or trouble rather than peace and contentment.

In the historical and cultural context of Proverbs, the fear of Jehovah was seen as a central virtue. The Israelites believed that God was the creator and ruler of the world and that living in accordance with his commands was the key to a fulfilling and successful life. The fear of Jehovah was not a fear of punishment but rather a sense of awe and reverence for God’s majesty and goodness. It was believed to bring wisdom, understanding, and discernment and to protect against the temptation to engage in sinful or destructive behaviors.

In this context, Proverbs 15:16 would be understood as a contrast between two different ways of living: one that is centered on the fear of Jehovah and brings peace and contentment and one that is centered on the pursuit of wealth and brings anxiety and turmoil. The verse suggests that it is better to have a modest amount of wealth or resources but to have a healthy fear of God and live a peaceful, calm life than to have a lot of wealth but be constantly anxious or troubled.

It is important to note that this verse does not necessarily condemn the pursuit of wealth or resources but rather suggests that it should not be the primary focus of one’s life. The fear of Jehovah should take precedence, as it brings greater long-term benefits and helps to keep one’s priorities in perspective.

Overall, Proverbs 15:16 suggests that it is better to have a modest amount of wealth or resources but to have a healthy fear of God and live a peaceful, calm life than to have a lot of wealth but be constantly anxious or troubled.