Proverbs 15:6 Commentary and Bible Study

It is far from the thinking of the world that righteousness brings treasure; righteousness is low on their list of valuables, and is seen more often as an obstacle than as an aid to happiness. The illustration is of someone who has found the secret of contentment without accumulating great quantities of riches and instead finds fulfilment in the simple things that exist in his home: the enjoyment perhaps of family life, and the pleasure of his familiar surroundings. Set against that is another person for whom the effort of acquiring wealth is a constant source of trouble. He is preoccupied with his earthly security and continually studies his income, his revenue, to make sure that it does not diminish. He worries about the security of his goods and this wears him down and brings nothing but trouble. The things the righteous value are not the same as the things which the wicked crave. The righteous are content with modest gains in this world and their treasure does not consist in silver and gold. Their homes are often simply furnished and the treasures which they contain are treasure of peace and love and understanding. They read God’s favour towards them not in earthly wealth but in opportunity to serve him, in increased understanding and appreciation of his kindness towards them, in insight into the course of this world and the purpose of life. They receive simple thing as tokens of his love and are content to wait for their good things in the world to come. They see others in this world who far exceed them in material things, but they also observe that those things often do not being any satisfaction. They value a good conscience and therefore study righteousness and strive to conform their lives to God’s commandments. This is acceptable behaviour in the community of God which also fosters peace between God’s people.