Proverbs 15:16 asv — Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith.

American Standard Version

"Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith. "

— Proverbs 15:16, American Standard Version

Read in Another Translation

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Proverbs 15:16 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 15 — Context

13

A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance; But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

14

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge; But the mouth of fools feedeth on folly.

15

All the days of the afflicted are evil; But he that is of a cheerful heart hath a continual feast.

16

Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith.

17

Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

18

A wrathful man stirreth up contention; But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

19

The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; But the path of the upright is made a highway.

Proverbs 15:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 15:16 say?
Proverbs 15:16 in the American Standard Version reads: “Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith. ”
Where is Proverbs 15:16 in the Bible?
Proverbs 15:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 15, verse 16.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 15:16.
What translation should I read Proverbs 15:16 in?
Proverbs 15:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 15:16?
Proverbs 15:16 reads (ASV): “Better is little, with the fear of Jehovah, Than great treasure and trouble therewith. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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