Proverbs 16-18 Better Than

by Jill Ice

Don’t we just love to make comparisons?  We compare constantly throughout the day –

• Innocent comparisons like gasoline and grocery prices, or which route to work is faster. 
• Wise and thoughtful comparisons such as which school/course of study is best for me (or my child)? Which activity/project is the best use of my time and energies in this moment?
• Sinful comparisons of how we stack up to those around us – who is stronger, smarter, better looking, funnier, etc. 

Proverbs 16-18 contains some comparative statements which are good for us to ponder. These “better – than” statements help to align our thinking with what is right and true. 

Better is a little with righteousness
    than great revenues with injustice. (16:8)

How much better to get wisdom than gold!
    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (16:16)

It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor
    than to divide the spoil with the proud. (16:19)

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. (16:32)

Better is a dry morsel with quiet
    than a house full of feasting with strife. (17:1)

These comparative statements help us to see what is important in life – righteousness, wisdom, understanding, self-control, etc. – and what should be set aside – pursuit of riches, power, strife, etc.

Give up the mindless pursuit of things that will not fulfill, to follow hard after the things of God.  It is truly better.