“Better is a little with the [reverent, worshipful] fear of the LORD Than great treasure and trouble with it.”

Proverbs 15:16 AMP

Good advice from the wisest man in the world! When you read this verse, you may immediately begin thinking about things of value. Money, possessions, positions that one might hold or authority that one might have. The truth is, the Hebrew here brings a different view on the issue. The word little here is the word meaning “a point in time subsequent to another point in time, with the next event coming soon.” The writer is clearly referencing the span of the life of which he is living. We are told that “better is a little with the fear of the Lord.” The word better is the word pertaining to “the moral opposite of evil; of having good values;” So we can say that the verse is talking about a shortness life of this world against the rapidly approaching day of eternity! We read about this same concept in the book of Psalms.

“Just as a father loves his children, So the LORD loves those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence]. 14For He knows our [mortal] frame; He remembers that we are [merely] dust. 15As for man, his days are like grass; Like a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16For the wind passes over it and it is no more, And its place knows it no longer. 17But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who [reverently] fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,18To those who honor and keep His covenant, And remember to do His commandments [imprinting His word on their hearts].

Psalms 103:13-18 AMP

Satan has convinced many that they are living now and going to die when they are dying now and are going to live! The only remaining question then is where one will live? This view of life is so deceptive because it does not take into account eternity. The true treasure of this life is restored relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Notice how the verse in Psalms describes those toward whom God looks.

18To those who honor and keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments [imprinting His word on their hearts].

Psalms 103:18 AMP

The jewels of this life can only be found in one place, God’s Word! Remember Proverbs 2?

“My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, 2So that your ear is attentive to [skillful and godly] wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding [seeking it conscientiously and striving for it eagerly]; 3Yes, if you cry out for insight, And lift up your voice for understanding; 4If you seek skillful and godly wisdom as you would silver And search for her as you would hidden treasures;5Then you will understand the [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] And discover the knowledge of God.”

Proverbs 2:1-5 AMP

We should always treat God’s Word as a treasure of great value. It is more than something that expensive but rather it should be viewed as Life-saving! The above verse speaks about making a concerted effort to attain God’s Word above anything else. What makes God’s Word so different though it is not like a diamond that we put it in a safe place and only look at or wear it occasionally, we are called to display it boldly as it shines brightly from our lives for all to see. 

Remembering from where we came is an important part of being a disciple. It is so easy to get sidetracked in this world today. So many pressures for us to accept the sin so blatantly practiced by those who know not God.  The temporary pleasure of sin can stand up against the eternal love and peace of God. Press in today to know him better for in His hand are all the riches of this life and the next! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken