Bible Commentary

Proverbs 19:1

Proverbs 19:1

Little Bible — for children and parents · Growth Figures · © Growth Figures. All rights reserved.

Solomon makes a striking comparison: a poor person with integrity — consistent, truthful character — is worth more than a wealthy person whose speech is twisted and whose life is foolish. Wealth without wisdom is a liability. Character without wealth is still honourable. This proverb challenges every cultural instinct that prizes wealth above integrity.

Memory phrase: Honest is better, always.

Talk about it: Why is being honest better than being rich?

Prayer: God, help me choose honesty over everything else.

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Proverbs 19 — OverviewProverbs 19 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe Disadvantages of Poverty.Proverbs 19 — OverviewProverbs 19 · Little Bible — for children and parentsProverbs 19 lays out a wide canvas of wisdom: the superiority of integrity over wealth, the danger of lies and lazy living, the blessing of a wise family life, and the life-giving power of fearing the LORD. Solomon…Proverbs 19:1Proverbs 19:1 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleHere see, 1. What will be the credit and comfort of a poor man, and make him more excellent than his neighbour, though his poverty may expose him to contempt and may dispirit him. Let him be honest and walk in…Proverbs 19:1Proverbs 19:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryBetter is the poor that walkth in his integrity. The word for "poor" is, here and in Proverbs 19:7, Proverbs 19:22, rash, which signifies "poor" in opposition to "rich." In the present reading of the second clause, than…Proverbs 19:1Proverbs 19:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryPoverty and integrity I. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR POVERTY TO BE FOUND WITH INTEGRITY. We do not always see integrity leading to wealth. Circumstances may not open up an opportunity for attaining worldly prosperity. Illicit…Proverbs 19:1-7Proverbs 19:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe lowly and gentle life He who is truly humble before his God will be sweet, kind, and peaceable in his relations to men. I. THE ATTRIBUTES OF THIS LIFE. (Proverbs 19:1-3.) 1. It is the life of innocence, in the…