Proverbs 28:6

Authorized King James Version

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Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

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
רָ֭שׁ is the poor H7326
רָ֭שׁ is the poor
Strong's: H7326
Word #: 2 of 8
to be destitute
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 uprightness H8537
בְּתֻמּ֑וֹ in his uprightness
Strong's: H8537
Word #: 4 of 8
completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
מֵעִקֵּ֥שׁ than he that is perverse H6141
מֵעִקֵּ֥שׁ than he that is perverse
Strong's: H6141
Word #: 5 of 8
distorted; hence, false
דְּ֝רָכַ֗יִם in his ways H1870
דְּ֝רָכַ֗יִם in his ways
Strong's: H1870
Word #: 6 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְה֣וּא H1931
וְה֣וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 7 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עָשִֽׁיר׃ though he be rich H6223
עָשִֽׁיר׃ though he be rich
Strong's: H6223
Word #: 8 of 8
rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

Analysis & Commentary

Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich—The Hebrew tov (better) introduces a value comparison central to Proverbs' wisdom: moral integrity (tom, uprightness/blamelessness) surpasses material wealth gained through iqqesh (perversity, moral crookedness).

This proverb directly contradicts worldly values that equate success with riches. The poor who maintains covenant faithfulness stands higher in God's economy than the wealthy whose paths are twisted. Jesus echoed this in Luke 16:15: 'That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.' Integrity of derek (way, path) matters more than possessions.

Historical Context

Solomon's court saw immense wealth accumulation, but also the temptations to compromise ethics for gain. Ancient Israel's covenant community was repeatedly warned against oppressing the poor to enrich themselves (Leviticus 25, Deuteronomy 15). This proverb reflects the Torah's prioritization of righteousness over riches.

Questions for Reflection