Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Better (is) little with fear of the Lord, than great treasure, and trouble therewith - the usual accompaniment of "great treasure" (cf. Proverbs 16:8; Proverbs 17:1). Where the "fear of the Lord" is, there is quiet; where it is not, there is "trouble." Riches, so far from averting, bring trouble in acquiring, defending administering, and losing them. So that the "little" is to be preferred that is accompanied with the "fear of the Lord," both for passing this life in quiet, free from envy, snares, and cares, and also for obtaining eternal life.