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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 28:6 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/28-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/20_Pro_28_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 28:6 - The Boldness of the Righteous" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/28.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/28.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than <i>he that is</i> perverse <i>in his</i> ways, though he <i>be</i> rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/28.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Better <i>is</i> the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse <i>in his</i> ways, though he <i>be</i> rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/28.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity, Than a person who is crooked, though he is rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked though he be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/28.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, Than he who is crooked though he be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/28.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked—double dealing—though he be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/28.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked <i>and</i> two-faced though he is rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/28.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better the poor person who lives with integrity than the rich one who distorts right and wrong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/28.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better a poor man who lives with integrity than a rich man who distorts right and wrong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/28.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/28.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It's better to be poor and live right, than to be rich and dishonest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/28.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/28.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Better to be a poor person who has integrity than to be rich and double-dealing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/28.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/28.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It's better to be poor and live a blameless life than to be rich but crooked in one's lifestyle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/28.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/28.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A poor person who walks in his integrity is better than one who is perverse in his ways even though he is rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/28.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/28.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he is rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/28.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/28.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Better [is] the poor walking in his integrity, "" Than the perverse of ways who is rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/28.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Better is the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse of ways who is rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/28.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Good the poor one going in his integrity above him perverting the ways, and he the rich.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/28.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Better is the poor man walking in his simplicity, than the rich in crooked ways. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/28.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Better is the pauper walking in his simplicity, than the rich walking in ways of depravity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/28.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Better to be poor and walk in integrity than rich and crooked in one’s ways. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/28.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be crooked in one’s ways even though rich.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/28.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Better is the poor man walking in his uprightness than a rich man whose ways are perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/28.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The poor walks in integrity and the rich perverts his way.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/28.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/28.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/28-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5728" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/28.htm">The Boldness of the Righteous</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ- (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">Better</a> <a href="/hebrew/7326.htm" title="7326: rāš (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be in want or poor. A primitive root; to be destitute.">a poor man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·w·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">who walks</a> <a href="/hebrew/8537.htm" title="8537: bə·ṯum·mōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- From tamam; completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually innocence.">with integrity</a> <a href="/hebrew/6223.htm" title="6223: ‘ā·šîr (Adj-ms) -- Rich. From ashar; rich, whether literal or figurative.">than a rich man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: də·rā·ḵa·yim (N-cd) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">whose ways</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6141.htm" title="6141: mê·‘iq·qêš (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Twisted, perverted. From aqash; distorted; hence, false.">are perverse.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-16.htm">Psalm 37:16</a></span><br />Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Proverbs 19:1</a></span><br />Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a></span><br />Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-25</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">1 Timothy 6:6-10</a></span><br />Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. / For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-13.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:13</a></span><br />Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21</a></span><br />The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a></span><br />For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-1.htm">Psalm 119:1</a></span><br />Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-15.htm">Isaiah 33:15-16</a></span><br />He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, who refuses gain from extortion, whose hand never takes a bribe, who stops his ears against murderous plots and shuts his eyes tightly against evil— / he will dwell on the heights; the mountain fortress will be his refuge; his food will be provided and his water assured.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Proverbs 28:18</a></b></br> Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but <i>he that is</i> perverse <i>in his</i> ways shall fall at once.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Proverbs 16:8</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Proverbs 19:1,22</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> the poor that walketh in his integrity, than <i>he that is</i> perverse in his lips, and is a fool… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/27-10.htm">Better</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-8.htm">Crooked</a> <a href="/psalms/119-113.htm">Double</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Integrity</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-33.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-25.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-12.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Uprightness</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-7.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-22.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-3.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/31-29.htm">Better</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Blameless</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Crooked</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Double</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Integrity</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-11.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-27.htm">Straight</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-10.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/songs/7-9.htm">Uprightness</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Walketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-26.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Walks</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-18.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-8.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 28</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">general observations of impiety and integrity</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/28.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/28.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Better a poor man who walks with integrity</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the value of integrity over material wealth. In biblical times, poverty was often seen as a sign of God's disfavor, yet this proverb challenges that notion by highlighting the moral superiority of the poor who maintain their integrity. Integrity, or moral uprightness, is a recurring theme in the Bible, seen in figures like Job, who maintained his righteousness despite severe trials (<a href="/job/1.htm">Job 1:1</a>). The Hebrew word for "integrity" implies completeness and soundness, suggesting a life lived in accordance with God's laws. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, where He blesses the poor in spirit (<a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a>), indicating that spiritual wealth is more valuable than material riches.<p><b>than a rich man whose ways are perverse</b><br>The contrast here is between wealth and moral corruption. The term "perverse" suggests a deviation from what is right or good, often associated with moral and ethical corruption. In the ancient Near East, wealth was frequently linked to power and influence, but this proverb warns against the moral pitfalls that can accompany riches. The Bible consistently warns of the dangers of wealth leading to moral compromise, as seen in the story of the rich young ruler who could not part with his possessions to follow Jesus (<a href="/mark/10-17.htm">Mark 10:17-22</a>). This phrase underscores the biblical principle that true wealth is found in righteousness and a right relationship with God, rather than in material abundance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/poor_man.htm">Poor Man</a></b><br>Represents individuals who may lack material wealth but possess moral and ethical integrity.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/rich_man.htm">Rich Man</a></b><br>Symbolizes those who have material wealth but engage in morally corrupt or perverse behavior.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding of human nature.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wealth and integrity were significant societal themes.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, focusing on practical and moral teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_integrity.htm">Value of Integrity</a></b><br>Integrity is a priceless virtue that surpasses material wealth. It is better to be poor and honest than rich and corrupt.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Focus on eternal values rather than temporary material gains. True wealth is found in a life lived according to God's principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_godliness.htm">Contentment in Godliness</a></b><br>Cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision, recognizing that spiritual riches are of greater worth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_choices.htm">Moral Choices</a></b><br>Daily decisions should reflect a commitment to integrity, even when faced with financial or social pressures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_of_integrity.htm">Witness of Integrity</a></b><br>A life of integrity serves as a powerful testimony to others, demonstrating the transformative power of living according to God's wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_28.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 28</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'fear_of_the_lord'_mean.htm">What does 'Fear of the Lord' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible_on_changing_last_names.htm">What does the Bible say about changing last names?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_mark_10_21_conflict_with_modern_life.htm">Doesn't Jesus' command in Mark 10:21 to 'sell everything' conflict with modern economic realities and social responsibilities?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_life_advice_does_proverbs_give.htm">What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/28.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Better is the poor that walketh </span>. . .--A variation of <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm" title="Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.">Proverbs 19:1</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Perverse in his ways.--</span>According to the pointing of the text the words signify, "perverse in two ways." That is, the sinner tries to "go two ways" (<a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/2-12.htm" title="Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways!">Ecclesiasticus 2:12</a>); to follow his own way without entirely deserting God's; to "serve God and mammon;" he is "double-minded" (<a href="/james/1-8.htm" title="A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.">James 1:8</a>), instead of setting before himself God's will as the guide of his life.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/28.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - This is almost the same as <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Proverbs 19:1</a>, but varies a little in the second hemistich: <span class="cmt_word">than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.</span> The Hebrew literally is, <span class="accented">perverse of two ways</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. who, going one way, pretends to go another; the "two ways" being the evil which he really pursues, and the good which he feigns to follow. Delitzsch calls him "a double-going deceiver." So Siracides imprecates, "Woe to the sinner that goeth two ways" (Ecclus. 2:12). "A double-minded man," says St James (<a href="/james/1-8.htm">James 1:8</a>), "is unstable in all his ways." It is not the endeavouring to serve God and mammon at the same time that is meant, but putting on the appearance of religion to mask wicked designs - in the present case in order to gain wealth. Septuagint, "A poor man walking in truth is better than a rich liar." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/28-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Better</span><br /><span class="heb">טֽוֹב־</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a poor man</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֭שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7326.htm">Strong's 7326: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be in want or poor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who walks</span><br /><span class="heb">הוֹלֵ֣ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(hō·w·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with integrity</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּתֻמּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯum·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8537.htm">Strong's 8537: </a> </span><span class="str2">Completeness, integrity, also part of the high priest's breastplate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than a rich man</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשִֽׁיר׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6223.htm">Strong's 6223: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rich</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whose ways</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּ֝רָכַ֗יִם</span> <span class="translit">(də·rā·ḵa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are perverse.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעִקֵּ֥שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘iq·qêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6141.htm">Strong's 6141: </a> </span><span class="str2">Twisted, perverted</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/28-6.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor who walks (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/28-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 28:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 28:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 28:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>