Proverbs 19:1

Proverbs 19:1 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
• New International Version (NIV)Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
• New Living Translation (NLT)Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.

Context of Proverbs 19:1

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. 2Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet. 3The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the Lord.

Proverbs 19:1 word by word

טֽוֹב־רָ֭שׁ הוֹלֵ֣ךְ בְּתֻמּ֑וֹ מֵעִקֵּ֥שׁ שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו וְה֣וּא כְסִֽיל׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Betterטוֹבţôb · pleasantH2896
• the poorרוּשׁrûsh · be poorH7326
• that walkethהָלַךְhâlak · to go: walkH1980
• in his integrityתֹּםtôm · integrityH8537
• perverseעִקֵּשׁ‛iqqêsh · twistedH6141
• in his lipsשָׂפָהώâphâh ώepheth · lip: wordsH8193
• and is a foolכְּסִילkesîyl · foolH3684

Cross-references for Proverbs 19:1

• 1 Samuel 25:17Now therefore, know and consider what you will do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him.”
• Isaiah 59:3For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity.
• Matthew 12:31“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

Commentaries on Proverbs 19:1

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 1Better is the poor - The upright poor man is always to be preferred to the rich or self-sufficient fool.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 1The “perverse” man is the rich fool, as contrasted with the poor man who is upright. Proverbs 19:1-2 are missing in the Septuagint.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 1Verse 1 A poor man who fears God, is more honourable and happy, than a man without wisdom and grace, however rich or advanced in rank.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1It is better to be honest, even if poor, because wealth from dishonesty does not last long (Proverbs 10:2) and will not protect from harm (11:4; see also 15:16–17; 16:8, 16; 17:1; 22:1; 28:6).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-29Pr 19:1-29. 1. (Compare Pr 28:6). "Rich" for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (Pr 15:16, 17; 16:8).Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 19:1

• Integrity
• Poor
• Speaking

In the dictionaries

• Judgment
• Pity
• Scorner
• Slothfulness
• Fool; Folly
• Integrity
• Poor
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 19

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings