Reading Proverbs chapter 16 today, the Holy Spirit reminded me of 4 “better” things of life.

We are always in search of better things. Which phone is better? iPhone or Android! Which field of higher studies is better? Engineering or Medicine? We often search on Google using these keywords: Best, better, sound and so on. The Bible highlight some of the essential things in life which we really need to pay attention to.

Let’s go through it one by one.

1. Little vs Great Revenue

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

Sometimes we shift our focus to wealth and getting rich quickly. In the meantime, we often forsake virtues like honesty, truthfulness, justice and righteousness. But when the Lord looks down from heaven, he is more interested in our virtues than our wealth gained. Little wealth with righteousness is better than money gained through injustice means.

2. Wisdom vs Gold

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

Gold is very costly and people are so much attracted to it. But wisdom and understanding are more costly and precious. It comes only from the Lord. The one way to get it is to fear the Lord. In the presence of God, wisdom and understanding shine better than gold. Let us pursue wisdom from God.

3. Lowly spirit vs Proud

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

This is a very evident sign of humility: Associating with the poor and humble people. If we are hanging out with friends because they are rich, it is a sure way to danger.

4. Slow to anger vs Mighty

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

If you are able to control your anger and if you are able to rule your own spirit, you are stronger than the so-called “mighty” out there! Having self-control is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is of great value in the sight of God.

I sincerely pray that the Lord may open our eyes to desire for the better things which are really better than what we thought!