Bible/Proverbs/28

Proverbs 28:6

28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

KJV

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Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.

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

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

28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. is a companion: or, feedeth gluttons

What does Proverbs 28:6 mean?

Proverbs 28:6 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 8 cross-referenced passages elsewhere in Scripture.

Hebrew interlinear

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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)
is
the
poorרוּשׁrûwsh/roosh/H7326to be destitute
that
walkethהָלַךְhâlak/haw-lak'/H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
in
his
uprightness,תֹּםtôm/tome/H8537completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence
than
he
that
is
perverseעִקֵּשׁʻiqqêsh/ik-kashe'/H6141distorted; hence, false
in
his
ways,דֶּרֶךְderek/deh'-rek/H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
though
he
be
rich.עָשִׁירʻâshîyr/aw-sheer'/H6223rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

Commentary on Proverbs 28:6

HENRY_FULL · Proverbs 28:6
et be poor in this world, which is a temptation to dishonesty, and yet may resist the temptation and continue to walk in his uprightness —also that a man may be perverse in his ways, injurious to God and man, and yet be rich, and prosper in the world, for a while, may be rich, and so lie under great obligations and have great opportunities to do good, and yet be perverse in his ways and do a great deal of hurt. 2. It is maintained as a paradox to a blind world that an honest, godly, poor man, is better than a wicked, ungodly, rich man, has a better character, is in a better condition, has more comfort in himself, is a greater blessing to the world, and is worthy of much more honour and respect. It is not only certain that his case will be better at death, but it is better in life. When Aristides was by a rich man upbraided with his poverty he answered, Thy riches do thee more hurt than my poverty does me. 7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. Note, 1. Religion is true wisdom, and it makes men wise in every relation. He that conscientiously keeps the law is wise, and

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Genesis 17:7

And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Exodus 20:2

I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. bondage: Heb. servants

Deuteronomy 26:17

Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:

Deuteronomy 26:18

And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;

Deuteronomy 29:10

Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel,

Joshua 24:15

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Revelation 15:4

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Topics

PoorUprightness

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Proverbs 28:6.

Proverbs 19:1

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

2 Samuel 12:1

And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

2 Samuel 12:4

And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.

Exodus 13:21

And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Genesis 19:2

And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

Genesis 24:40

And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's house:

Genesis 24:42

And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go:

Genesis 28:20

And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

Frequently asked questions

What does Proverbs 28:6 say?

Proverbs 28:6 (King James Version) reads: "Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich."

Is Proverbs 28:6 in the Old or New Testament?

Proverbs 28:6 is in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Proverbs.

Reflect

As you read Proverbs 28:6, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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