The house of the righteous has great treasureThis phrase emphasizes the spiritual and moral wealth that comes from living a life aligned with God's principles. In biblical context, "righteous" refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and commandments. The "house" symbolizes not just a physical dwelling but the entirety of one's life and family. The "great treasure" can be understood as both material blessings and spiritual riches, such as peace, joy, and wisdom. In the Old Testament, righteousness often led to tangible blessings, as seen in the lives of figures like Abraham and Job. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God rewards those who are faithful to Him (
Psalm 112:3).
but the income of the wicked is trouble
In contrast, this phrase highlights the futility and danger of wealth gained through unrighteous means. "Income" here refers to the gains or profits that the wicked accumulate, often through deceit or injustice. The term "trouble" suggests that such wealth brings anxiety, conflict, and ultimately divine judgment. This reflects the biblical principle that ill-gotten gains do not lead to lasting prosperity or peace (Proverbs 10:2). The historical context of ancient Israel, where community and family stability were paramount, underscores the idea that wealth obtained through wickedness disrupts societal harmony. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus warns against the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 6:19-21).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The RighteousIn the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live according to God's laws and principles. They are characterized by integrity, wisdom, and a fear of the Lord.
2.
The WickedThis term refers to those who live in opposition to God's ways. They are often depicted as deceitful, unjust, and self-serving.
3.
The HouseSymbolically, the house represents the life and legacy of a person. It encompasses their family, possessions, and overall well-being.
4.
TreasureIn biblical terms, treasure often signifies not just material wealth but also spiritual riches, such as peace, joy, and wisdom.
5.
TroubleThis refers to the consequences of living a life contrary to God's will, which can include turmoil, strife, and ultimately, judgment.
Teaching Points
The Value of RighteousnessRighteousness leads to true wealth, which includes peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. Material wealth is fleeting, but the treasures of a righteous life endure.
The Consequences of WickednessThe pursuit of wealth through wicked means leads to trouble and turmoil. It is a reminder that ill-gotten gains come with a cost.
Building a LegacyThe "house" of the righteous is a metaphor for one's legacy. Building a life on righteousness ensures a lasting and positive impact on future generations.
Spiritual vs. Material WealthTrue treasure is found in spiritual riches. Prioritizing spiritual growth and godly living over material accumulation leads to a fulfilling life.
God's BlessingThe righteous experience God's blessing, which brings contentment and security. Trusting in God's provision is key to experiencing true prosperity.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 15:6?
2.How does Proverbs 15:6 define the "house of the righteous"?
3.What does "great gain" mean in the context of Proverbs 15:6?
4.How can we ensure our homes reflect the righteousness described in Proverbs 15:6?
5.Compare Proverbs 15:6 with Matthew 6:33. How do they relate?
6.What practical steps can prevent "trouble" from entering our homes, per Proverbs 15:6?
7.How does Proverbs 15:6 define the relationship between wealth and righteousness?
8.What does Proverbs 15:6 suggest about the moral implications of wealth?
9.How does Proverbs 15:6 align with the broader themes of wisdom literature?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15?
11.What defines the path of the righteous?
12.Why are the wicked's prayers considered an abomination?
13.Proverbs 3:33 states the Lord curses the wicked and blesses the righteous--how do we reconcile this with righteous people facing severe hardships and injustices?
14.Proverbs 16:4 states God made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for a day of disaster--doesn't this suggest a divine origin for evil, conflicting with the idea of a just and loving God?What Does Proverbs 15:6 Mean
The house of the righteous- “House” points to the entire sphere of life: family, work, reputation, and daily routines.Proverbs 12:7 notes, “The house of the righteous will stand,” underscoring stability that comes from walking with God.
- “Righteous” describes those who have been made right with God and who aim to live uprightly (Psalm 112:1-3). Their home environment reflects God’s order—peace instead of chaos, faith instead of fear, purposeful labor instead of aimless striving.
has great treasure- The verse says great, not small. This includes:
• Material provision—“The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).
• Spiritual wealth—wisdom, contentment, joy (Proverbs 3:13-15;Matthew 6:19-21).
• Relational richness—healthy marriages, obedient children, trusted friendships (Psalm 128:1-4).
- These treasures flow from trusting God and obeying His Word; they are not luck but covenant blessing (Deuteronomy 28:1-6).
but the income of the wicked- “Income” implies gain that may look impressive on a ledger.Proverbs 11:18 cautions, “The wicked earns deceptive wages.” What is accumulated lacks God’s favor.
- “Wicked” are those who reject God’s standards (Psalm 1:4-6). Even if they prosper outwardly (Psalm 73:3-12), their earnings sit on a shaky foundation.
is trouble- The profit that comes apart from righteousness breeds anxiety, conflict, and eventual loss (Proverbs 15:27; 21:6).
- Trouble shows up in:
• Legal or financial collapse (Proverbs 10:2).
• Family discord (Proverbs 11:29).
• Eternal ruin—“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
- God’s justice ensures that ill-gotten or self-centered gain ultimately harms its possessor (Jeremiah 17:11).
summaryProverbs 15:6 contrasts two households. When a person walks in God’s righteousness, every facet of life becomes a storehouse of genuine, lasting wealth. When a person rejects God’s ways, even the paycheck in hand carries hidden misery. The verse calls us to pursue righteousness first, trusting that true treasure—material and spiritual—flows from a life aligned with the Lord.
(6)
In the house of the righteous is much treasure.--For God's blessing (
Proverbs 3:33) is upon it; while the wicked, from his recklessness in the pursuit of gain, brings trouble (
Proverbs 15:27) upon himself and his family.
Verse 6. -
In the house of the righteous is much treasure (
chosen; see on Proverbs 27:24). The good man's store is not wasted or wrongly used, and is blest by God: and therefore, whether absolutely much or little, it is safe, and it is sufficient. In a spiritual sense, the soul of the righteous is filled with graces and adorned with good works. Septuagint, "In the houses of the righteous is much strength;"
plurima fortitudo, Vulgate.
But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. Great revenues acquired by wrong or expended badly bring only trouble, vexation, and ruin upon a man and his family. Septuagint, "The fruits of the wicked shall perish." Spiritually, the works of the wicked cause misery to themselves and others.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The houseבֵּ֣ית(bêṯ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseof the righteousצַ֭דִּיק(ṣad·dîq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteoushas greatרָ֑ב(rāḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greattreasure,חֹ֣סֶן(ḥō·sen)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2633:Wealth, treasurebut the incomeוּבִתְבוּאַ֖ת(ū·ḇiṯ·ḇū·’aṯ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8393:Product, revenueof the wickedרָשָׁ֣ע(rā·šā‘)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7563:Wrong, an, bad personis trouble.נֶעְכָּֽרֶת׃(ne‘·kā·reṯ)Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5916:To roil water, to disturb, affict
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:6 In the house of the righteous (Prov. Pro Pr)