Proverbs 19:1

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

KJV

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.

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

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

19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

What does Proverbs 19:1 mean?

Proverbs 19:1 is a verse in the book of Proverbs, in the Old Testament. In the original Hebrew, key words include טוֹב (ṭôwb), רוּשׁ (rûwsh), הָלַךְ (hâlak). It connects to 9 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Hebrew interlinear

Betterטוֹבṭôwb/tobe/H2896good (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 or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well)

the

poorרוּשׁrûwsh/roosh/H7326to be destitute

that

walkethהָלַךְhâlak/haw-lak'/H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

his

integrity,תֹּםtôm/tome/H8537completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence

than

that

perverseעִקֵּשׁʻiqqêsh/ik-kashe'/H6141distorted; hence, false

his

lips,שָׂפָהsâphâh/saw-faw'/H8193the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

and

fool.כְּסִילkᵉçîyl/kes-eel'/H3684properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly

Commentary on Proverbs 19:1

HENRY_FULL · Proverbs 19:1

e poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Here see, 1. What will be the credit and comfort of a poor man, and make him more excellent than his neighbour, though his poverty may expose him to contempt and may dispirit him. Let him be honest and walk in integrity, let him keep a good conscience and make it appear that he does so, let him always speak and act with sincerity when he is under the greatest temptations to dissemble and break his word, and then let him value himself upon that, for all wise and good men will value him. He is better, has a better character, is in a better condition, is better beloved, and lives to better purpose, than many a one that looks great and makes a figure. 2. What will be the shame of a rich man, notwithstanding all his pomp. If he have a shallow head and an evil tongue, if he is perverse in his lips and is a fool, if he is a wicked man and gets what he has by fraud and oppression, he is a fool, and an honest poor man is to be preferred far before him. 2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Genesis 15:1

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Isaiah 1:4

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. laden: Heb. of heaviness gone: Heb. alienated, or, separated

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee. inhabitant: Heb. inhabitress

Isaiah 29:19

The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. increase: Heb. add

Isaiah 30:11

Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.

Isaiah 33:22

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. lawgiver: Heb. statutemaker

Isaiah 43:3

For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

Isaiah 43:14

Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. nobles: Heb. bars

Topics

Poor Poor, the Uprightness

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Proverbs 19:1.

Proverbs 28:6

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

Frequently asked questions

What does Proverbs 19:1 say?

Proverbs 19:1 (King James Version) reads: "Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool."

Is Proverbs 19:1 in the Old or New Testament?

Proverbs 19:1 is in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Proverbs.

Reflect

As you read Proverbs 19:1, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

Plan a sermon or study on Proverbs 19:1 →

19:2 →