Proverbs 15:6 - Meaning and Application

Note, first, where righteousness is, there is wealth and the comfort that comes with it: “In the house of the righteous is much treasure.” Religion teaches people to work diligently, live with self-control, and act fairly, and these habits usually help a household grow in provision. But that is not all. God also blesses the home of the upright, and his blessing makes a person rich without hardship.

Or, if there is not much of this world’s goods, there is still true treasure where grace is present. If people have little, yet are content with it and enjoy it as God’s gift, that is enough, it is real wealth. The righteous may not be rich themselves, but there is treasure in their house, a blessing laid up that their children may later receive. A wicked, worldly person only wants his belly filled with his treasures, to satisfy his own selfish appetite (Psalm 17:14). But a righteous person first cares for his soul, and then for his family, seeking treasure in his heart and then in his house, so that those around him may benefit too.

Second, where wickedness is, there may also be riches, but they bring trouble of spirit with them: “In the revenues of the wicked” there is trouble. Great income cannot keep guilt and a curse away. Pride, anger, envy, and strife live there too, and those harmful desires rob people of joy in their wealth and make them a burden to their neighbors.