Psalms 37:16
What does Psalms 37:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:16 means
This verse offers a profound statement of values, contrasting the spiritual wealth of the righteous with the material abundance of the wicked. David asserts that even a small amount possessed by a righteous person is inherently superior and more valuable than the vast riches accumulated by many wicked individuals. The emphasis is on the quality and source of the possessions, not merely their quantity. The "little that the righteous hath" is blessed by God and carries contentment, security, and true value, whereas the "abundance of many wicked" is often acquired unjustly and lacks divine favor, leading to ultimate ruin.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Better is a little that the righteous hath Than the abundance of many wicked.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Better is a little that the righteous hath Than the abundance of many wicked.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The little which the good man has is better than the wealth of evil-doers.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Better <FI>is<Fi> the little of the righteous, Than the store of many wicked.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For in thee, O Lord, have I hoped: thou wilt hear me, O Lord my God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The little that the righteous hath is better than the abundance of many wicked;
Context
After detailing the wicked's self-destruction in verse 15, this verse shifts to a wisdom observation about true value. It contrasts the possessions of the righteous with those of the wicked, offering a principle that underpins God's care. This teaching about contentment with "a little" for the righteous sets the stage for the affirmation of God's sustaining power for the righteous that immediately follows, explaining *why* a little is better with God's blessing.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 15:16
Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith.
- Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.
- Ecclesiastes 2:26
For to the man that pleaseth him God giveth wisdom, and knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that pleaseth God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
- Proverbs 30:9
Lest I be full, and denythee, and say, Who is Jehovah? Or lest I be poor, and steal, And use profanely the name of my God.
- Proverbs 16:8
Better is a little, with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.
- Proverbs 13:25
The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul; But the belly of the wicked shall want.
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