Scripture Reading: Psalm 37:16-20

A Little is Better

Intro.

1. Hear expressions like “greed is good” and “bigger is better” to exaggerate the benefits of possessions, excess, and covetousness. They display a failure to be thankful and content.

2. The “desire to be rich” and the “love of money” lead many souls to destruction, 1 Tim. 6:9-10.

3. Conversely, Scripture praises the advantages of having “a little” when coupled with traits of wisdom and faith.

4. How do we measure success? What are our valuables? Where is our heart (attitude) toward our possessions? What do we give priority to in our lives? Matt. 6:19-21

I. “Better is a Little with the Fear of the Lord, than Great Treasure With Trouble,” Prov. 15:16.

A. Wealth Does Not Secure Contentment, Luke 12:18-20.

1. Riches often increase troubles, Eccl. 5:10-12 (miser, 13-17).

2. Godliness does (profitable), 1 Tim. 4:7-8.

3. Trust God and be generous, 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Eccl. 11:1-2.

B. The Fear of the Lord Gives Refuge in Times of Trouble, Prov. 14:26. (Beginning of wisdom, Prov. 9:10.)

1. It leads to a fulfilled life, Prov. 19:23.

2. It brings blessings when coupled with humility, Prov. 22:4-5.

C. Failure to Fear God Leads to Trouble, Prov. 28:14.

1. This person does not attend to the voice of Scripture, the promptings of conscience, the restraints of religion, the counsel of friends, or the warnings of experience (Pulpit Comm., Spence-Jones, 536).

2. Wisdom and knowledge begin with fear of Lord (Prov. 1:7; 9:10). Without it, calamity comes, Prov. 1:24-27.

II. “BETTER IS A DINNER OF HERBS WHERE LOVE IS, THAN A FATTED CALF WITH HATRED,” Prov. 15:17.

A. Contentment is Marked by Love, not Self-Indulgent Lavishness, Amos 6:3-7.

1. Israel proudly loved comfort, but not their neighbors.

2. How is God’s love in us when we indulge ourselves but do not help our needy brethren? 1 John 3:16-18

B. Apply this Principle to the Church, Gal. 5:13-15.

1. Some think the size of a church makes it credible. But a small church where there is faith and love is better than a large church with error, contention, and strife.

2. Don’t define the church by phys. things; By truth and love.

C. Apply this Principle to the Family, Prov. 21:9 (25:24).

1. Fussing and fighting disrupts unity, disillusions children about marriage, and dishonors the Lord, 1 Pet. 3:1-2, 7; Eph. 5:22, 25, 28-29.

2. Should not have to seek refuge from a spouse (one flesh).

III. “BETTER IS A LITTLE WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS, THAN VAST REVENUES WITHOUT JUSTICE,” Prov. 16:8.

A. Sources of Unrighteous Revenue Include:

1. Cheat, steal, and extort (force or threat), 1 Cor. 6:8-10.

2. Oppression, James 5:1-6.

3. Unjust measurements, Prov. 11:1 (16:11); Micah 6:9-14.

B. When Unjust Revenue is Acquired, Luke 19:8.

1. “To press money out of someone by false assertions” (Lenski).

2. Law of Moses: Thief to make restitution, Exod. 22:1-15.

3. Zacchaeus made restitution beyond measure (repentance).

C. Righteous Person is Wealthier than the Wicked Rich, Ps. 37:16.

-Contentment with godliness is great gain, 1 Tim. 6:6-10.

Conclusion

1. Little is better when it possesses godly fear, love, and justice.

2. Come before the Lord with justice, mercy, and humility, Micah 6:6-8.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted September 23, 2021