Proverbs 28:6
Proverbs 28:6 in Multiple Translations
Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
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 walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Better is the poor man whose ways are upright, than the man of wealth whose ways are not straight.
Better to be poor and have integrity than to be devious and rich.
Better is the poore that walketh in his vprightnesse, then hee that peruerteth his wayes, though he be riche.
Better [is] the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse of ways who is rich.
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 is rich.
Better is the poor man walking in his simplicity, than the rich in crooked ways.
It is better to be honest even though you are poor than to be dishonest even though you are rich.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 28:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
טֽוֹב
רָ֭שׁ
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
בְּ/תֻמּ֑/וֹ
מֵ/עִקֵּ֥שׁ
דְּ֝רָכַ֗יִם
וְ/ה֣וּא
עָשִֽׁיר
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
רָ֭שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
V-Qal
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
בְּ/תֻמּ֑/וֹ
tôm
H8537
integrity
Prep | N-ms | Suff
מֵ/עִקֵּ֥שׁ
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
twisted
Prep | Adj
דְּ֝רָכַ֗יִם
derek
H1870
way
N-cd
וְ/ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
עָשִֽׁיר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
rich
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:6
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
רָ֭שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/תֻמּ֑/וֹ
tôm
H8537
"integrity"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word means being complete or having integrity, and is used to describe someone who is innocent and morally pure. In the Bible, it describes people who are full of integrity and live with simplicity. It is often translated as 'integrity' or 'upright'.
Definition: 1) integrity, completeness 1a) completeness, fulness 1b) innocence, simplicity 1c) integrity
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: full, integrity, perfect(-ion), simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture. See H8550 (תֻּמִּים). See also: Genesis 20:5; Psalms 26:11; Psalms 7:9.
מֵ/עִקֵּ֥שׁ
ʻiqqêsh
H6141
"twisted"
Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for something that is twisted or distorted, and can also refer to someone who is being false or perverse. It is used to describe something that is not straight or honest. The KJV translates it as crooked or froward.
Definition: twisted, distorted, crooked, perverse, perverted
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crooked, froward, perverse. See also: Deuteronomy 32:5; Proverbs 8:8; Psalms 18:27.
דְּ֝רָכַ֗יִם
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cd
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
עָשִֽׁיר
ʻâshîyr
H6223
"rich"
Adj
In the Bible, the Hebrew word for 'rich' describes someone with wealth or noble status. It is used to describe people who are wealthy, like the rich man in certain parables. The word is often translated as 'rich' in English Bibles.
Definition: adj 1) rich, wealthy n 2) the rich, the wealthy, rich man
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: rich (man). See also: Exodus 30:15; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 45:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:6
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:6
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:6
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:6
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
4Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them.
5Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
6Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.
7A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. 8He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:1 | Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse. |
| 2 | Proverbs 28:18 | He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall. |
| 3 | Luke 16:19–23 | Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. |
| 4 | Proverbs 19:22 | The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:8 | Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. |
| 6 | Acts 24:24–27 | After several days, Felix returned with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, “You may go for now. When I find the time, I will call for you.” At the same time, he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe. So he sent for Paul frequently and talked with him. After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. |
Proverbs 28:6 Summary
This verse is saying that it is better to be a poor person who tries to do the right thing and live with integrity than to be a rich person who does not care about doing what is right, as seen in Proverbs 28:6. Living with integrity means being honest, kind, and fair in all our interactions, which is also emphasized in Matthew 5:3-10, where Jesus teaches about the importance of living a righteous life. It is not about how much money we have, but about the kind of person we are and how we treat others. By prioritizing integrity and living a life that honors God, we can experience a sense of peace and fulfillment that goes beyond material wealth, as promised in Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to walk with integrity in Proverbs 28:6?
Walking with integrity means living a life that is honest, morally upright, and consistent with God's principles, as seen in Psalm 26:1 and Psalm 86:11, where David asks God to teach him His ways and to walk in His truth.
Is being rich or poor the main focus of this verse?
No, the main focus is not on the amount of wealth one has, but rather on the character of the person, as indicated by their walk with integrity or perverse ways, which is also emphasized in Proverbs 19:1, where it is better to be poor and blameless than to be foolish and dishonest.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse encourages us to prioritize living a life of integrity and moral uprightness, even if it means facing financial challenges, as seen in Hebrews 13:5-6, where God promises to never leave or forsake us, and in 1 Timothy 6:10, where the love of money is identified as a root of all kinds of evil.
What does it mean for someone's ways to be perverse?
Perverse ways refer to actions or behaviors that are contrary to God's will and moral standards, as described in Proverbs 21:8, where the ways of the guilty are devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can demonstrate integrity, and how can I intentionally cultivate this character trait?
- In what ways can I prioritize living a life of moral uprightness, even when it is challenging or costly?
- How can I avoid the temptation to compromise my values and integrity for the sake of financial gain or other benefits?
- What does it mean for me to trust God to provide for my needs, even if I am not wealthy, and how can I demonstrate this trust in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:6
Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness,.... [See comments on Proverbs 19:1]; than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich; or, "in [his] two ways" (c): that halts
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:6
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:6
Better; in a much safer and happier condition. In his ways, Heb. in two ways; halting between two ways, pretending to virtue, but practising vice; or covering his wicked designs with good pretences; or sometimes erring on one hand, and sometimes on the other, as wicked men commonly do.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:6
Proverbs 28:6 Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich.Ver. 6. Better is the poor, &c.] See Proverbs 19:1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:6
(6) Better is the poor that walketh . . .—A variation of Pro 19:1. Perverse in his ways.—According to the pointing of the text the words signify, “perverse in two ways.” That is, the sinner tries to “go two ways” (Sir 2:12); to follow his own way without entirely deserting God’s; to “serve God and mammon;” he is “double-minded” (James 1:8), instead of setting before himself God’s will as the guide of his life.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 28:6
6. The first half of the proverb occurs in Proverbs 19:1. perverse in his ways] Lit. perverse of two ways: i.e. in double-dealing. Comp. “Woe … to the sinner that goeth two ways!” Sir 2:12; ἀνὴρδίψυχοςἀκατάστατοςἐνπάσαιςταιςὁδοῖςαὐτοῦ, James 1:8.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:6
Perverse in his ways - literally, “Perverse in his double ways.” Compare Ecclesiasticus 2:12 and James 1:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:6
6. Better — More esteemed and better off. In his ways — According to the Hebrew points, in his double ways, double dealing or duplicity of conduct.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Moral Virtue's Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on moral virtues as he delves into Proverbs 19 verse 1. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity, stating that it is better |
|
Hell No Exits by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and highlights three aspects of it: Majesty, mystery, and misery. He encourages the audience to seek inspiration from |
|
A Cry From Torment by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees who were lovers of money and were scoffing at Him. He tells a story, possibly a parable, about a rich man and a beggar named Lazar |
|
Hell: Isn't the God of Christianity an Angry Judge? by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the concept of hell in order to understand one's own heart. He uses the parable of the rich man and Lazarus fr |
|
God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
|
The Voice of the Lost by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that man is a moral wanderer, far from God and unwilling to return. However, God is constantly calling humanity to come back to Him through |
|
The Cry From Hell by David Legge | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of sending people to share the message of salvation. He uses vivid imagery to describe the consequences of not taking action, suc |