Proverbs 19:1 King James Version (KJV)

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


Proverbs 19:1 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 Better H2896 is the poor H7326 that walketh H1980 in his integrity, H8537 than he that is perverse H6141 in his lips, H8193 and is a fool. H3684


Proverbs 19:1 American Standard (ASV)

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


Proverbs 19:1 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 Better `is' the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse `in' his lips, who `is' a fool.


Proverbs 19:1 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 Better is a poor [man] that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.


Proverbs 19:1 World English Bible (WEB)

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


Proverbs 19:1 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are twisted.

Cross Reference

Matthew 12:31-34 KJV

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

James 2:5-6 KJV

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Commentary on Proverbs 19 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 19

Pr 19:1-29.

1. (Compare Pr 28:6). "Rich" for fool here. Integrity is better than riches (Pr 15:16, 17; 16:8).

2. The last illustrates the first clause. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble.

3. perverteth … way—turns him back from right (Pr 13:6; Jas 1:13); and he blames God for his failures.

4. (Compare Pr 14:20). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation.

5. Compare Pr 19:9, where perish explains not escape here (compare Ps 88:9, 10).

8. (Compare Margin; Pr 15:32).

loveth … soul—or, "himself," which he evinces by regarding his best interests.

keepeth—or, "regards."

10. (Compare Pr 17:7). The fool is incapable of properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet for him to have it is less incongruous than the undue elevation of servants. Let each abide in his calling (1Co 7:20).

11. (Compare Pr 14:29; 16:32). This inculcation of a forgiving spirit shows that true religion is always the same (Mt 5:22-24).

12. (Compare Pr 16:14, 15; 20:2). A motive to submission to lawful authority.

13. calamity—literally, "calamities," varied and many.

continual dropping—a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience.

14. A contrast of men's gifts and God's, who, though author of both blessings, confers the latter by His more special providence.

and—or, "but," implying that the evils of Pr 19:13 are only avoided by His care.

15. a deep sleep—a state of utter indifference.

idle soul—or, "person" (compare Pr 10:4; 12:24).

16. (Compare Pr 10:17; 13:13).

despiseth … ways—opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (Pr 16:17) (as unworthy of regard) his moral conduct.

17. (Compare Pr 14:21; Ps 37:26).

hath pity—shown by acts (compare Margin).

18. (Compare Pr 13:24; 23:13).

let not … spare—literally, "do not lift up thy soul" (Ps 24:4; 25:1), that is, do not desire to his death; a caution to passionate parents against angry chastisement.

19. Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on ill-natured persons.

20. (Compare Pr 13:18-20).

latter end—(Pr 5:11). In youth prepare for age.

21. (Compare Pr 16:1, 9; Ps 33:10, 11). The failure of man's devices is implied.

22. desire—that is, to do good, indicates a kind disposition (Pr 11:23); and the poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not.

23. The fear … life—(Compare Pr 3:2).

abide—or, "remain contented" (1Ti 4:8).

not visited with evil—(Pr 10:3; Ps 37:25), as a judgment, in which sense visit is often used (Ps 89:32; Jer 6:15).

24. bosom—literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating (Mt 26:23). Compare Pr 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.

25. Such is the benefit of reproof; even the simple profit, much more the wise.

26. Unfilial conduct often condemned (Pr 17:21-25; 20:20; De 21:18, 21).

27. Avoid whatever leads from truth.

28. ungodly witness—(Compare Margin), one false by bad principles (compare Pr 6:12).

scorneth judgment—sets at naught the dictates of justice.

devoureth—literally, "swalloweth," as something delightful.

29. Their punishment is sure, fixed, and ready (compare Pr 3:34; 10:13).