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Proverbs 16:8

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

It's better to have just a little bit when you've earned it honestly than to have great wealth gained through wrong ways.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse is saying that having less money earned the right way is far better than having lots of money earned through dishonest or harmful means.

📚 Historical Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings attributed to King Solomon, written during the time of the united monarchy of Israel around 900 BC, when leaders and people sought practical guidance for daily life. In this ancient Near Eastern culture, where economic success was often pursued aggressively, the text emphasizes that moral integrity outweighs material wealth obtained through injustice. This verse reflects the broader biblical theme of wisdom literature, which contrasts godly living with the temptations of unethical gain.

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