Bible Strands
Proverbs 19:1
Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The passage presents a general wisdom comparison without naming a specific speaker, audience, or historical moment, functioning as a standalone instructional principle within a larger collection.
The words — תֻמּוֹ (tu.M/o) translates literally as "his integrity" or wholeness, while עִקֵּשׁ ('i.Kesh) means "perverse" or crooked, establishing a direct contrast between a consistent life and twisted speech.
The thread — This tension between character and circumstance reappears in Proverbs 28:6 and Proverbs 16:8, while Matthew 16:26 extends the logic to the eternal value of the soul over material acquisition.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to prioritize moral consistency and honest conduct above wealth or rhetorical skill, treating character as the decisive measure of worth.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 28:6 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
- Proverbs 16:8 Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.
- Matthew 16:26 What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
- Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.
- Proverbs 14:2 He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.
- Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure with turmoil.
- Proverbs 20:7 The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.
- Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice.
- James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
- Psalms 37:26 They are ever generous and quick to lend, and their children are a blessing.