A proverb about priorities

Today, we look at a proverb about priorities. A priority is something that is highest or higher in importance, rank, privilege, etc.

Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

Proverbs 15:16

Discussion

• Before we fully consider this proverb, what are some priorities in your life?
• In this proverb, we have here another contrast, although this time the "good" part is first.
• This proverb also contrasts the priorities of wealth and fearing God.
• When we think of wealth we should consider both having lots of money and lots of possessions
• It is important to consider what this verse says as well as not what it doesn't say
  • it does say that it's good to fear God even if you're poor
  • it does not say that if you fear God you will be poor
  • it does say that it's not so good to be rich and not be at peace
  • it does not say that if you are rich you won't be at peace
  • it also does not say that if you fear God you can't be rich
  • it also does not say that if you fear God that there won't be turmoil in your life
• From all of this, we can deduce that fearing God is more important than wealth
• We can also deduce that fearing God is more important that having turmoil or trouble in your life
• Thus, the wise mas (the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom) knows that proper respect for God should be a top priority