What does "great gain" mean in the context of Proverbs 15:6? Setting the Verse in Context - Proverbs 15:6: “In the house of the righteous there is great treasure, but the income of the wicked is trouble.” - Proverbs often uses parallelism: a positive statement is set against a negative one to sharpen the contrast. Here, “great treasure” (often rendered “great gain”) in the righteous home is opposed to “trouble” in the wicked’s earnings. - The verse sits in a chapter that repeatedly contrasts the path of righteousness and wisdom with the path of wickedness and folly (15:3, 9, 16, 29). Understanding “great gain” “Great gain” is literally “abundant treasure.” In Hebrew, the word refers to wealth of every variety—material, relational, and spiritual. It points beyond mere money to the full, rich blessing God pours on those who walk uprightly. Dimensions of the Gain 1. Material sufficiency • Proverbs 10:22: “The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.” • God may grant tangible prosperity, free from the hidden snares and regrets that accompany ill-gotten wealth. 2. Spiritual wealth • Proverbs 3:14–15: Wisdom’s value “surpasses silver” and “gold.” • Psalm 112:1–3 links fearing the LORD with both righteousness and lasting riches. 3. Relational peace • Proverbs 15:17, right in this chapter, highlights a “meal of vegetables where there is love” as better than a fattened ox with hatred. • The righteous household enjoys harmony, trust, and a clear conscience—riches money cannot buy. 4. Eternal reward • Matthew 6:20 urges believers to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” indicating gains that neither moth nor rust can destroy. • 1 Timothy 6:6 affirms, “Godliness with contentment is great gain,” tying temporal righteousness to eternal benefit. Why the Righteous Experience This Gain - Obedience aligns life with God’s design, inviting His favor (Proverbs 3:5–10). - Integrity protects from the destructive consequences that erode the wicked’s possessions (Proverbs 13:6). - Contentment keeps the righteous from striving after empty vanities, allowing God’s provisions to satisfy (Psalm 37:16). Contrasting the Wicked’s “Income” - Though the wicked may earn much, their revenue breeds “trouble” (Hebrew: upheaval, turmoil). - Ill-gotten or selfishly hoarded wealth brings anxiety, conflict, judgment, and ultimately loss (Proverbs 11:18; 21:6). - The contrast underscores that the measure of prosperity is not the balance sheet but the blessing of God resting on it. Application to Daily Life - Pursue righteousness first; gain will follow in God’s timing and form (Matthew 6:33). - Evaluate “prosperity” by peace, joy, and God’s approval—not merely by numbers. - Guard integrity in every transaction; unrighteous income always invites hidden trouble. - Cultivate gratitude and contentment to recognize and enjoy the “great gain” already present in the Lord’s daily mercies. |
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