Proverbs 15:1-17

“Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.” (Proverbs 15:16–17, NKJV)

It is human nature to accumulate. We build more shelves in our garage or rent a storage space to accommodate our possessions. We accumulate money, thinking that it will provide security for us in the future. But does anyone have enough set aside for retirement? We order our favorite entrée at a restaurant, and the portion size is more than we should eat, but we eat it anyway. More is better…or is it? The more we have, the more we must maintain. The more we possess, the harder it is to move it. The more we eat, the less motivated we are to exercise. Sometimes satisfying our craving only brings leanness to our soul (Psalm 106:15).

Solomon had many possessions, but he discovered that they did not add value or happiness to his life. On the other hand, the fear of the LORD was a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27). This brought him joy, peace, and security for the future.

The problem isn’t whether we have much or little; the problem is sin. It isn’t about having possessions, but do our possessions have us? The fear of the LORD keeps us from sin, trouble, and hatred.

When is a little better than a lot? When it can be appreciated and enjoyed without pride, envy, or greed. Less is more when it gives us more time for the ones we love. Real life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions but in the quality of our relationships. But we should use our possessions to bless others and glorify God (Luke 16:9-13).