Proverbs 19:1
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Original Language Analysis
טֽוֹב
Better
H2896
טֽוֹב
Better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
that walketh
H1980
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
that walketh
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּתֻמּ֑וֹ
in his integrity
H8537
בְּתֻמּ֑וֹ
in his integrity
Strong's:
H8537
Word #:
4 of 8
completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
in his lips
H8193
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
in his lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
6 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 28:6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.Proverbs 16:8Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.Proverbs 15:16Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.Proverbs 20:7The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.Proverbs 14:2He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.Proverbs 19:22The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.Matthew 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Historical Context
Ancient society highly valued wealth and status, yet biblical wisdom consistently subverts this value system. The righteous poor are commended above wealthy fools throughout Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain integrity when financial pressures tempt compromise?
- Would you rather be poor with a clear conscience or wealthy with a guilty one?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Integrity in poverty surpasses perverse speech in folly, even if accompanied by wealth. The 'better than' construction again prioritizes character over circumstances. Walking uprightly maintains God's favor regardless of economic status, while moral compromise brings shame despite material success.