Better a little with righteousness
Proverbs 16:8 - Scripture always teaches us that true prosperity comes from living a life pleasing to God, instead of by accumulating wealth through corrupt means.
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“Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
Proverbs 16:8 NIV
There’s nothing wrong with being rich. However, if those riches have been acquired through injustice — theft, embezzlement, human trafficking, tax evasion, dishonest measures, overcharging on prices or interest, etc… — then today’s Proverb is here to provide wisdom to the person thinking about building wealth in unjust ways.
Righteousness has more value than material wealth. Biblically speaking, this means living in line with God’s laws and commands. Throughout the Bible, we are taught that having a small amount of righteously acquired wealth (i.e., through hard work and saving) is preferable to having a lot of ill-acquired possessions.
In Psalm 37:16, this principle is repeated as “Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked”, with both nuggets of wisdom reflecting the theme that it’s more important to have spiritual integrity and moral uprightness than to have an abundance of material possessions. Jesus also taught this wisdom in Matthew 6:33 when He said to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness”.
The second half of the verse demonstrates the moral compromise of gaining wealth unjustly. Justice was one of the foundations of the culture of ancient Israel, which placed emphasis on fairness and honesty in business transactions. Even as far back in the Old Testament as the Book of Leviticus, we find that ethical conduct is more important than financial success — “Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity.” (Leviticus 19:35)
Scripture always teaches us that true prosperity comes from living a life pleasing to God, instead of by accumulating wealth through corrupt means. “Much gain with injustice” never provides a clear conscience, a life free of sin and guilt, filled with God’s love and joy, and the other benefits of righteous living.
To circle round to the opening sentence of this devotional, there’s nothing wrong with being rich — in fact, it can offer a way to show God’s love to the world through charitable works and giving. If those riches have been acquired during a righteous life, then you are truly blessed! Righteousness tips the scales in God’s favor.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk in righteousness, even when the path is humble. Teach me to value honesty above gain, and peace above plenty. Keep my heart free from greed, and my hands clean of injustice. Let me find joy in what is right, and contentment in what You provide. AMEN.