Proverbs 19:1 kjv

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

Proverbs 19:1 nkjv

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

Proverbs 19:1 niv

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.

Proverbs 19:1 esv

Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Proverbs 19:1 nlt

Better to be poor and honest
than to be dishonest and a fool.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 1 Meaning

This proverb declares that true worth lies not in material possessions but in moral character. It asserts the superiority of a person who is poor yet lives with blameless integrity over someone who is rich but practices deception and corruption in their conduct. The verse prioritizes intrinsic righteousness and uprightness above extrinsic wealth and status.

Proverbs 19 1 Context

Proverbs chapter 19 is a collection of antithetical proverbs, often contrasting wisdom with folly, righteousness with wickedness, and the diligent with the slothful. Many verses in this chapter touch upon the consequences of moral choices, the role of wealth and poverty, and the nature of just governance. Proverbs 19:1 establishes a fundamental moral priority early in the chapter, challenging conventional worldly views by asserting the superior value of intrinsic character over extrinsic material status. This wisdom is set against a cultural backdrop where prosperity was often associated with divine blessing, making the statement that "a poor man of integrity is better than a rich man with crooked ways" particularly potent and counter-cultural. It directly confronts any notion that wealth justifies or sanctifies corrupt practices.

Proverbs 19 1 Word analysis

• Better is (טוֹב, ṭoḇ): A common comparative structure in Proverbs, signaling a clear preference and value judgment. It indicates that the first option is inherently more desirable and commendable than the second.
• the poor (רָשׁ, rāš): This Hebrew term signifies material destitution, someone in need, impoverished. Its inclusion emphasizes that one's outward economic standing is irrelevant when evaluating moral worth; character transcends wealth.
• who walks (הוֹלֵךְ, hôlēḵ): Derived from the verb "to walk" (halakh), it signifies a way of life, consistent conduct, and one's habitual course of action. It points to a pervasive and sustained pattern of behavior rather than isolated acts.
• in his integrity (תֻּמּוֹ, tummō): From the root תֹּם (tōm), meaning completeness, soundness, blamelessness, innocence, and uprightness. It conveys moral wholeness and sincerity, signifying a person whose inner character aligns with their outward actions, free from moral corruption or deceit.
• than he who is crooked (מֵעִקֵּשׁ, mêʿiqqēš): Derived from עִקֵּשׁ (ʿiqqēš), meaning perverse, twisted, devious, corrupt. It describes someone morally distorted, whose ways are bent and not straight. It implies dishonesty, craftiness, and a lack of moral principle.
• in his ways (דְּרָכָיו, dĕrāḵāyw): Refers to a person's life path, their practices, actions, and overall conduct. Similar to "walks," it denotes consistent behavior, highlighting the contrast between integrity and perversity as ingrained patterns of life.
• though he be rich (וְהוּא עָשִׁיר, wəhūʾ ʿāšîr): ʿāšîr means wealthy, affluent, abundant in possessions. The phrase emphasizes that even immense wealth cannot compensate for or excuse moral perversion. Wealth, in this context, is shown as incapable of sanctifying a corrupted character or life.

Words-group analysis:

• "Better is the poor who walks in his integrity": This phrase powerfully underscores the spiritual and moral superiority of intrinsic character over external circumstance. It advocates for the value of genuine moral fiber and a life consistently lived with wholeness and honesty, irrespective of material hardship.
• "than he who is crooked in his ways, though he be rich": This contrast highlights the profound danger and condemnation of a life marked by moral perversion. It warns that no amount of worldly success or wealth can redeem a distorted, dishonest, or corrupt character. True poverty is moral degradation, not lack of material goods.

Proverbs 19 1 Bonus section

This proverb serves as a vital touchstone within the broader biblical teaching on justice, wisdom, and God's sovereignty. It implicitly points to a divine economy where character, not cash, holds ultimate currency. It aligns with God's nature, who judges righteously and looks beyond external appearances. Furthermore, it foreshadows New Testament teachings on the dangers of earthly riches and the blessing pronounced upon the "poor in spirit" (Matt 5:3) or those who suffer for righteousness' sake. It demonstrates that the principles of God's Kingdom are often paradoxical to the world's wisdom, advocating for spiritual wealth over material accumulation.

Proverbs 19 1 Commentary

Proverbs 19:1 delivers a concise yet profound declaration of divine values, positioning moral integrity far above material wealth. It stands as a sharp challenge to worldly wisdom that often equates riches with success or divine favor. The proverb emphasizes that God's valuation of a person is based not on their economic status, but on the purity and uprightness of their character. A life lived blamelessly and truthfully, even in poverty, is unequivocally "better" than a life of opulence achieved or sustained through crooked, perverse, or corrupt means. This teaches us to prioritize godliness and righteousness over any form of financial gain, warning against the spiritual decay that often accompanies ill-gotten wealth or the pursuit of riches through dishonest paths. It serves as a call for believers to embody authentic faith through honest living, finding their true richness in their unwavering character before God and man.For instance, a street sweeper who faithfully performs their duties with complete honesty and integrity is presented as having a "better" life than a deceitful corporate executive who accumulates vast wealth through unethical dealings and compromises. The proverb instructs that true blessings are measured not in one's bank account, but in the cleanliness of their hands and heart.