Proverbs 16:8

8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

Proverbs 16:8 in Other Translations

8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.

8 Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest.

8 Far better to be right and poor than to be wrong and rich.

8 Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.

8 Better a few [possessions] gained honestly than many gained through injustice.

8 Better a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.

8 It is better to have a little and do right than to have a lot and be unfair.

Proverbs 16:8 Meaning and Commentary

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; 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 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 (jpvm alb) "absque judicio", Pagninus, Montanus.

Proverbs 16:8 In-Context

6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.

7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth does not betray justice.

Cross References

• 1. S Psalms 37:16
• 2. S Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 17:1; Ecclesiastes 4:6